Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Timing case bolts

[SRehberg]

I've seen a lot of discussions on the KDP causing issues when it comes loose, and also discussion about the bolts being loose in the timing case. Usually it is mentioned it took "X" amount of torque to back them out or whatever, but I have not read a post where any of the bolts have done the damage the KDP seems to consistently do. The HAVE the POTENTIAL to do the same thing, but are they as threatening as it is made out to be? If you are inside doing the tab fix, then it is beneficial to go after them, but with the jig KDP fix, it seems useless to use the jig if you have to go internal anyway. I guess I am trying to assess the need, for the threat level the bolts pose.

 

[Joe G.]

Steve,



The bolts very rarely fail. However, if they do they really break things. End off cam shaft. Broken front main bearing cap. Things like that.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Yes it is rare, but does happen: https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=100141

To properly take care of the KDP requires removing the timing cover and while you are in there, might as well retorque all the timing case retaining bolts, and all bolts you can get to in there.



I recently did the KPD on my '96 and at 353k miles a couple of the bolts were barely tight. Also the oil pump gear retaining bolts were barely tight. I loctited everything I could get to. There are 5 retaining bolts, 4 you can get to, one of the 4 you can only back out part way and will have to dab whatever loctite you can in there.



Vaughn



EDIT: Supposedly starting '97 model year Cummins started loctiting the bolts. My '96 engine built in June 25 1996 did not have loctite.

 

[Philip]

There have been two members in the first gen forum that have lost bolts in the timing cover. It cost them camshafts and other expensive parts.



I aways recommend pulling the cover. I know on our 1st gen's most of us that have pulled the covers have found loose bolts. I don't see the 2nd gens being any better shape.

 

[SRehberg]

Well, it looks like that is going to be one of the things to put on the "to get done" list. I guess the jig just gives you a jump on the immediate problem (KDP) then one better get in there and loctite the bolts. Thanks guys!

 

[Joe G.]

Supposedly starting '97 model year Cummins started loctiting the bolts. My '96 engine built in June 25 1996 did not have loctite.

I recently did a tab job on a '97. The screws not very tight.

 

[bmoeller]

I had to tighten my case bolts also, when I was in there for the KDP. Didn't see any Loctite, either. Truck was built 6/97. Tightened and Loctited all the ones I could find.

 

[hbowers]

I recently did the tab fix on a 97 w/build date feb 97, engine build date

also 2-97. bolts were loc-tited. also I did the fix on two 96 trucks.

the first had a build date 12-95. engine build date 11-95. the second

one had a build date 7-96. both of them had loc-tited bolts.

last march I worked on a 92 that had a broken camshaft. the dowell pin

was still seated, but the bolt just above the oil pump gears had fallen out

and went through the gears. so the first gen,s in my opinion are just as

apt to have a bolt fall out as the dowel pin.