2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Vacuum pump seal replacement

[Gary7]

After running down the leak in my truck I think I've ID'd it as coming from the vacuum pump, between the engine and the PS pump. After doing a search here it seems to be a pretty common problem. I wanted to see what the current suggestions are for getting it fixed. I understand Dodge will now do a new seal kit instead of replacing the pump. Anyone know what the cost for that is, including labor?



I'm not a mechanic, but I have occasionally done some work myself. Mostly it's limited to regular stuff like oil/filter changes and changing the differential fluid, but in the past I have replaced a couple of alternators, and a water pump once, on various vehicles over the years.



I'm also limited in what tools I have and my workspace consists of the floor of my garage. Reading the posts I'm guessing I'd be spending $100 or so on tools for the job, maybe a bit more (crowsfoot wrenches, etc. ). Of course while I'm not a mechanic I certainly NEVER avoid buying a tool when I can justify it!



So, with all that in mind is doing the seal kit something I should attempt myself, assuming the cost of having my local Dodge dealer doing the kit themselves is still in the range of $300+?



Thanks for any advice!

Gary

 

[Joe Mc]

Should be covered if your truck is still under the 100k deal. If not - I've never done it myself and am sure someone will chime in later on that has, and if you're out of the 100k deal be of more help.

 

[Gary7]

Ahh. Covered under the engine warranty? That would be the best solution of all! Yeah, I've got plenty of room left on my 10yr, 100k engine warranty, just didn't realize the vacuum pump fell under that.



Thanks for the reply!

Gary

 

[NBowlin]

we did it in a hobby shop on base to my pick up here a week ago or so.

we used regular wrenches and a pocket knife. we did have it on a lift for part of it which probably made it a little easier. also we had to cut the hoses off the pump cause there was no twisting them off. someone put a really good post in the 12v forum with pictures and pretty good instructions. look it up. the kits are under 30 bucks and you can use plain box end wrenches if you have to. its pretty straight forward and simple.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Had mine done under warranty several months ago - took the mechanic about an hour to do the job - I couldn'y believe he got it done so fast after looking at the way the pump is mounted. Slight seepage right after the fix made me nervous, but it quickly stopped, and now all dry under the truck.



MY question is, if this is such a common problem, what are the odds of the replacement soon failing, just as the original did? Are the replacement seals of better quality than the originals, or is the clock ticking on the replacement?

 

[NBowlin]

replaced the bad factory parts with new factory parts on my end, so i would say she is a tickin'.

 

[Ram4Sam]

Fairly simple...

Gary, I just repaired mine and it isn't that tough. I got the seal kit from

www.fixinrams.com He includes a video which is very good and some tools(pvc fittings/pipe/caps) that work perfect for removing and installing the new seal. The new seal is a double lip, the original is single lipped. After removing the battery and intake pipe, the pump assembly is real easy to remove and re-install. The hardest part is removing the power steeing pump lines which you will have to cut off the pump. There is enough extra hose to snip off the ends but proboably only once. There are no special tools required, I did it with just a few wrenchs and sockets, razor knife and a turkey baster to remove the fluid from the ps pump. I don't believe this is covered by the cummins 5yr/100,000. The kit from fixin rams is more money but the video and tools included are well worth it.



Sam

 

[#2DSL]

You can get seal kit from Cummins part number is 4089742.

 

[Fireman Dave]

It's not covered under the engine warranty. I paid around $7. 50 for the kit from Cummins.

 

[Joe Mc]

Ah yes, the ever famous "depends on your dealer if it's covered or not" syndrome. So GaryKQ6 got his done covered 10/100k. Why not everyone? Never ceases to amaze me what these 5 scar dealers get away with.



I'd really push the issue if they told me no, as if the LP (also an accessory) is covered why not a seal between the necessary vacuum pump and almost required powersteering pump. Especially if it only took the Tech an hour and the part is less than $10. ???????????

 

[Ram4Sam]

Vac pump....

Joe, if you read the warranty supplement in the owner's manual, it is very specific about what is covered. The vacuum pump is not mentioned at all. Maybe Gary can chime in here but since his truck is an '02, it was probably repaired under the 3yr/36,000 warranty that covers the truck. Just for fun, I called three dealers and got the same story from them all, not covered under the Cummins warranty. After them flagging my warranty because of my red valve cover and the attitude of the service of the service manager, I didn't really want them working on my truck anyway. After fixing it myself and seeing how easy it was, I am glad I did it myself.



Sam

 

[Gary7]

Ok, finally had time to stop off at the dealer. Wish I hadn't! First, for any future readers, call BEFORE you take it in and see if it's covered. According to my dealer it is NOT. My "wonderful" 5-star dealer has a $77 "diagnosis" fee. So I paid $77 for them to tell me what I told them when I drove it to their door?! I'm gonna consider that an "educational" cost. Taught me to call FIRST! The cost to replace the pump was a couple of thousand, and on the order of $450 to replace the seal.



I told them I'd do it myself. So, I'll be ordering the part and may be bugging folks here for advise if I run into trouble.



Gary

 

[BigPapa]

I did it. Don't be scared!



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115442



Scott

 

[WMonroe]

Is it worth it to get the kit that comes with the dvd and the "extra parts" or should I just go to Cummins and get the seal only? I am probably going to be doing this next saturday as I am tired of my driveway getting oil all over it.

Will

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

The kit from Cummins works perfectly. If you have any mechanical abilities at all you don't need the DVD only the directions that Cummins gives you.

 

[WMonroe]

Thanks for the reply. I'll have to stop by the cummins shop and pick up the kit.

Will

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

YES, mine was covered under warranty - but mine is a later model truck, and well within the related warranty period - absolutely NO problems with the dealer - and all my mods were left in place in ful view of service rep...

 

[TinCanTourist]

Gary7,

Rocky Mountain Cummins just south of I40 at 2nd has the kits for repair. I got a couple from them last fall (one is a spare for my Y2K, so PM me I you can't find the kit). Kits cost about $7 and come with instructions.