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Is this a good idea to protect my engine?

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Old 06-12-2012, 10:54 AM
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Is this a good idea to protect my engine?

I have a 06 Cummins 5.9 (91K miles) and plan to get a low fuel pressure light installed. When talking to the mechanics one of them suggested that while they were working on the engine it would be a good idea to pull the cover off the gears that do the timing at the front of the engine just below the injector pump. He says there is a dowel pin beside one of the gears for line up and they have been known to work loose and fall in the gears. He says to remove a bolt and put a small clip with a hole in it under the bolt head to hold the dowel in place. This would also require taking the radiator out. Has anyone ever heard of this happening? Would it be worth the money or is it over kill on doing the PM?
Old 06-12-2012, 11:27 AM
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No there is no need to have that done. He is thinking of the old 12v motors that were common with killer dowel pin fallure. This is not an issue on the third gens.
Old 06-12-2012, 11:27 AM
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Originally Posted by Rushman
I have a 06 Cummins 5.9 (91K miles) and plan to get a low fuel pressure light installed. When talking to the mechanics one of them suggested that while they were working on the engine it would be a good idea to pull the cover off the gears that do the timing at the front of the engine just below the injector pump. He says there is a dowel pin beside one of the gears for line up and they have been known to work loose and fall in the gears. He says to remove a bolt and put a small clip with a hole in it under the bolt head to hold the dowel in place. This would also require taking the radiator out. Has anyone ever heard of this happening? Would it be worth the money or is it over kill on doing the PM?
This only applies to the much older 12V Cummins. 1998 & earler.
Do a seach on "Killer dowel Pin" for more info.

You may want to search out a better diesel mechanic.
Old 06-12-2012, 11:41 AM
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The dowel pin issue is a problem that is common for the '89-'98 1/2 model year 12 valve Cummins and is something that can have catastrophic results. However, this issue does not relate at all to the third generation CTD Ram trucks. The low pressure light is a good Idea, but why not install a fuel pressure gauge?

Now would be a good time to seek out a new diesel mechanic. One that is up to speed on the newer technology.
Old 06-12-2012, 12:26 PM
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Thanks for the replies!! I did ask him about the guage and got side tracked with the fact that a Banks or Edge comp would show the pressure. I would prefer the guage and need to gather more info before going on with the installation. for now I want to stay stock. My camper is 11K in weight....Thanks!!
Old 06-12-2012, 02:44 PM
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As mentioned the KDP is for the old gen engines. A fuel pressure gauge is a good idea. You might also consider other gauges such as Exhaust Gas Temp (EGT), boost pressure, rail pressure, and last but not least a real oil pressure gauge.

The best thing that you can do to protect your engine, that is injectors and CP3, is to add additional fuel filtration and water seperation.
Old 06-12-2012, 05:31 PM
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All 12v and 981/2 to 2002 24v cummins engines have the timing case dowel pin inside the timing case above the cam gear. the common rail 24v `03 and up have the dowel pins outside the timing case, just above the oil pan on both sides. if you`ve got an early 24v , I would check it out.
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