Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Should I have expected more from PDR?

[Coalsmoke]

I recently bought my first CTD (knowing almost nothing about diesels) and before I finalized I brought the truck to Piers and paid for two hours of labour (at $75 / hour = seems like a reasonable rate) for them to go over the mechanical soundness of the 2500 I was looking at puchasing. They mentioned a couple of things could use some work like a couple of steering joints and the shocks were weak, but didn't report on the front oil leak. It appears now that the constant front oil leak is coming from behind the fan pully, which is most likely the KDP. What I'm wondering is should I have expected some sort of warning from them, being that they are diesel experts?



PS: I'm not trying to ruffle people's feathers and I now that the PDR staff are great and perform wonders on these trucks. I'm just realizing that the peace of mind I had isn't so peaceful.

 

[mikel]

Is it possible that the front wasn't leaking oil when you brought it to them? I'm just wondering because I'm pretty surprised that they would miss an oil leak like you describe.



That being said, everyone is human and sometimes things get missed. If you're going to have someone do the work for you then I'd at least go see them and talk to them about it. I can't see how it could hurt.



Sorry to hear of your troubles.



Mike

 

[SRadke]

I have experienced many oil leaks from aroiund the front of the engine. Some from the timing gear cover, some from the front of the pan. None have been a serious problem and none associated with the KDP.



-Scott

 

[Mactruck]

And your sure it's not the breathing tube and bottle???



That may be the reason.



12 valves have that right?

 

[dezrat]

What does Piers have to say about it?Have you talked to him?You do not live that far away so I would drive over and see what he says about your oil leak.

The Man has a reputation second to no one so I would highly value his opinion.

You also need to get that KDP fixed before it causes you a real problem.

 

[Diesel Freak]

I would think that the first thing would be to talk to PDR about this

 

[Coalsmoke]

Could someone tell me more about the breathing tube and bottle?



I'm sure that the leak was there (there is a year's worth of caked oil and dust), I thought maybe it was from the valve covers, and I think they (pdr) did mention that it could use new ones of those. I just never knew that it could be a bad thing coming from the front of the engine. It does seem to be drizzling from behind the fan pully, but I haven't talked to Piers yet. From what I understand he is a really great guy, and he did manage to get an inspection booked for us for the following day after I called wanting PDR to go over the truck for a pre-purchase. I just wanted to ask all your opinions first because I don't want to waste any of Piers time. Thanks for all your replies.



Stephan

 

[SMorneau]

Could be the leak was not evident when they examined it. Was the engine cleaned before they got to see it?



At any rate, I have chased leaks all over my engine. Several fuel leaks, Power steering seals, vacuum seals, oil caps,... .

You should find out where the leak is before you freak out. It may just be the front crank seal or something relatively petty. You can clean everything up with simple green, get a couple of good mirrors, and some lights and you can usually find the leak. Fixing may be another matter but at least you will know.





Remember, you didn't buy "peace of mind" you bought a "hobby"

 

[illflem]

Originally posted by Coalsmoke

Could someone tell me more about the breathing tube and bottle?

Mactruck was talking about a 24 valve. On a 12 the tube is located much further back on the driver's side, no bottle.

 

[1dslram]

If the problem was the KDP you wouldn't be able to drive the truck! This leak is a very minor problem and very easy to fix. I have driven for many miles with the front seal leaking a little. If that is the major problem with the truck you got one hell of a truck. Good luck and happy truckin.

Bruce

 

[Cooker]

I have seen valve covers leak so bad and for so long the oil made it down the front of the engine Just a though.

 

[Woodenhead]

For what it's worth my KDP's been jigged for a while and I've since developed a leak at the front of my motor. It's a small leak, not enough to leave a drip anywhere just enough to wet the front/bottom of the motor over plenty of time. I figure it's probably the front crank seal, definitely not the KDP and until it leaks a lot more it's definitely not worth sweatin' about.



BTW, consider yourself a lucky SOB living in the PDR neighborhood.



My $0. 02

Mikw

 

[Coalsmoke]

Thanks guys,



All those possibilities are why I haven't gone freaky, just "researchy" (if it were a word ) This is also why I haven't seen Piers about it yet. I DON'T want to be one of those snivling little pests that is always trying to pull a stupid fast one on someone to try toget something for free >>> not my style (actually, not many people's style around here, which is a really nice change from some of the ford car clubs I've been in). I do consider myself very lucky to be in PDR country, as all you guys definitely cannot be wrong, and the couple short interactions I've had with them have been great. This weekend I'll pull it apart and see just where the leak is coming from. Hopefully it is just really bad valve covers (they are kinda bad, those little 1" in diameter holes on the head on the exhaust manifold side usually have a couple of millimeters of oil in them at all times, and like I said, this is a 5-10 drops when I stop at a store thing, not like walking out and finding a puddle of oil under the truck).



Thanks everyone,

Stephan



PS: If this thread insulted anyone who is really close to Piers, my apologies. I really tried hard not to have anything potentially derrogatory arise in it. This thread is on an exploratory basis as myself being new to the diesel community, I don't have the wealth of knowledge that all you guys have to draw off of.