Speedi sleeve

[BillBaker]

Ok so how common is it that our trucks need the speedi sleeve installed and is there a "typical " amount of mileage when this happens? I just found out my truck never had the KDP tab done to it (approaching 300,000) while it was getting the speedi sleeve installed and this was while the truck was at a Cummins shop. I got the truck when it had just over 150,000 on it so is it possible the sleeve was needed already? I've read countless articles where guys even said they were replacing the crank seal and a speedi sleeve was installed and they removed it and didn't replace it and had no problems afterwards. Just found this out about KDP and sleeve from previous owner. Thanks for any input!

 

[GAmes]

If the seal has worn a groove into the crankshaft snout you'll need a sleeve or else the new seal will leak almost immediately if it is installed in the same location as the old one. It is possible to position the seal a little fore or aft of the groove. I doubt there is a typical mile marker when it happens since it is operating time that wears a seal out. A speedi-sleeve is thinner than a Cummins sleeve kit and uses a stock seal. The Cummins kit has a different seal. To my knowledge, the seal can only be bought with a kit, not by itself. That means the next time you need a seal you have to buy the whole kit whether you need to replace the sleeve or not.

I installed two Felpro seals into the front cover the last time mine leaked as an experiment and have put 223,000 miles on it since then. No leak so far.

 

[BillBaker]

If the seal has worn a groove into the crankshaft snout you'll need a sleeve or else the new seal will leak almost immediately if it is installed in the same location as the old one. It is possible to position the seal a little fore or aft of the groove. I doubt there is a typical mile marker when it happens since it is operating time that wears a seal out. A speedi-sleeve is thinner than a Cummins sleeve kit and uses a stock seal. The Cummins kit has a different seal. To my knowledge, the seal can only be bought with a kit, not by itself. That means the next time you need a seal you have to buy the whole kit whether you need to replace the sleeve or not.

I installed two Felpro seals into the front cover the last time mine leaked as an experiment and have put 223,000 miles on it since then. No leak so far.

Ok so mine already has been sleeved (so I'm told by previous owner) so there's chance that sleeve has worn and will need replacement it sounds? I've got no leaks but I'd assume if it was wore I'd have leakage. I guess it would be good practice and some preventative maintenance to just switch out the seal and see what the sleeve looks like. I'm just trying to get a materials list together once I dig in so I can avoid downtime waiting on parts. I'd likely just go with the Cummins kit.

 

[GAmes]

If it isn't leaking I'd venture the seal is good. But if you are tabbing the KDP it would be a good idea to have a new seal and cover gasket on hand. The sleeve is removed by a couple blows from a ball peen hammer, that should loosen it up enough to slide off. I use the damper to press the new sleeve on. Although I've been advised not to I use some lube on the crankshaft. It's your choice.

 

[Joe Mc]

Some years back I replaced the crank front seal as it was weeping a bit and I was doing the KDP fix. I got the parts (KDP kit and seal) from Geno's Garage. the seal came with an installation tool that actually sets the seal to the correct depth "and" a plastic stepped sleeve tool that goes on the front of the crank (sticks out about an inch or so beyond the crank) so when you reinstall cover the seal doesn't get damaged in the process. Once you have the cover close you pull the plastic sleeve off the front of the crank and continue cover install. I think I made a post with pictures but it has been a long time so it may not be on the site anymore.

 

[Joe Mc]

Here it is, hope this helps. https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/252740-crank-seal-install Pictures I included are at post #41.

 

[BillBaker]

Here it is, hope this helps. https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/252740-crank-seal-install Pictures I included are at post #41.

Great!... just what I like. A visual reference. I will tackle this hopefully end of next week so I'm psyching myself up for it. I've read (briefly) on torquing and thread locking other bolts in there while the front cover is off so I'm searching that out currently.

 

[Joe Mc]

Bill, I am a visual and "do it" type learner. I can read everything, but without a visual reference at times it's hard to "do it"/understand what needs to "be done".

 

[BillBaker]

Bill, I am a visual and "do it" type learner. I can read everything, but without a visual reference at times it's hard to "do it"/understand what needs to "be done".

Totally agree. I need to see what I'm doing or going to be seeing.

 

[MLee]

When I replaced mine I went to Napa and bought just the seal. Made my own tab and bought a new longer bolt, Thread sealer and #2 permatex sealant,and reused my gasket after cleaning it up. This is what we were doing to do the job before the kits hit the market, cause Cummins and Dodge were saying this could not happen on this engine. But then they came up with a repair kit also. So it is possible to get just the seal. This was 16 years ago.

 

[BillBaker]

When I replaced mine I went to Napa and bought just the seal. Made my own tab and bought a new longer bolt, Thread sealer and #2 permatex sealant,and reused my gasket after cleaning it up. This is what we were doing to do the job before the kits hit the market, cause Cummins and Dodge were saying this could not happen on this engine. But then they came up with a repair kit also. So it is possible to get just the seal. This was 16 years ago.

For what it cost (kit was free delivery) to get things online anymore I just ordered this one. Heck for all I know it may be tabbed but previous owner said Cummins shop said "don't worry about it" so I have no way of knowing unless I dig in.

 

[Woodenhead]

Cummins has a kit for the front seal, I highly recommend it. The part number is 3802820, was $95 when I bought one a few years ago. This sleeve is thicker than the speedy sleeve and comes with a seal as well.

 

[BillBaker]

Cummins has a kit for the front seal, I highly recommend it. The part number is 3802820, was $95 when I bought one a few years ago. This sleeve is thicker than the speedy sleeve and comes with a seal as well.

I see so many various prices online for the Cummins sleeve and seal it's hard to see through the fog of what is really the difference. All have that same Cummins part number but I see price differences varying by $60+... I have a kit already ordered and on it's way. It better be good.

 

[Woodenhead]

I see so many various prices online for the Cummins sleeve and seal it's hard to see through the fog of what is really the difference. All have that same Cummins part number but I see price differences varying by $60+... I have a kit already ordered and on it's way. It better be good.

The price difference is probably just mark up from one store to the next or maybe some NOS or surplus stuff. I can’t imagine the seal would go bad on the shelf.

 

[Joe Mc]

I can’t imagine the seal would go bad on the shelf.

Agree. Rubber/neoprene etc. will degenerate in time, but I believe since the seals are "sealed" in their own little bag, which is stored inside a cardboard box, they should last for many years on the shelf = stable temperatures, not subjected to sunlight, lack of moisture and such. MHO

 

[BillBaker]

And here's what you get when a Cummins shop says don't worry about it (kdp).

 

[Joe Mc]

Tab that sucker for sure.

 

[BillBaker]

If the seal has worn a groove into the crankshaft snout you'll need a sleeve or else the new seal will leak almost immediately if it is installed in the same location as the old one. It is possible to position the seal a little fore or aft of the groove. I doubt there is a typical mile marker when it happens since it is operating time that wears a seal out. A speedi-sleeve is thinner than a Cummins sleeve kit and uses a stock seal. The Cummins kit has a different seal. To my knowledge, the seal can only be bought with a kit, not by itself. That means the next time you need a seal you have to buy the whole kit whether you need to replace the sleeve or not.

I installed two Felpro seals into the front cover the last time mine leaked as an experiment and have put 223,000 miles on it since then. No leak so far.

Are the felpro seals any different? ... and you installed 2 back to back? I got mine done and put the seal in the same depth using the depth ring that comes with the kit and had leakage afterwards. Although I had no dripping leaks prior there was oil around the seal once I removed the damper and could see things. The speedi sleeve had no wear groove on it but I decided on round 2 to put another seal on it and set it deeper so it wouldn't ride in the same area on the sleeve. We'll see tomorrow if this solved it..

 

[GAmes]

I didn't put them back to back. They both are facing in the correct direction. A common mistake is lubing the snout prior to installing the seals. They are teflon and must be clean and dry. I am convinced that Felpro and genuine Cummins seals are identical in every way except price.

 

[BillBaker]

Second seal is good. Truck is bone dry underneath. Thanks for the input.