Thedieselkid

Ok, well I am so happy, I just got my first Cummins 12v. It is a 1997 2500 automatic 4x4 with 123,000 on it. I have a couple of questions.

1) I have been searching for the block heater on this truck and can't find it. If I am looking at the oil filter from the passenger side of the truck is it to the right or left of the filter? There appears to be a new freeze out plug directly to the left of the oil filter, could the block heater have been removed, or is it to the right of the oil filter and I just didn't look hard enough?

2) If I have to put a new block heater in, do I need to drain all of the coolant out of the rad and engine? If not how much coolant will I need?

3) I am going to be killing the dowel pin this weekend, how hard is it to time the injection pump while I am in there? Also do I need to replace the crankshaft seal if it isn't leaking?

Other then these questions, I love this truck!!! It is the best vehicle I have ever bought.

Thanks for the help

Paul

nivram

Paul;
Sounds like the new freeze plug was the heater hole. If you replace it don't drop that plug in the block, drain the coolent down enough to do the job, or just change it and be done with it. Some have been succesful with the replacement of the cover and seal, but if you have it off why not just replace it. You can do the whole kit for $50.00 or go to Napa and just get the seal for around $30.00. if you want to try to re-use the old seal, cover the crank snout with a mular sheet cover to re-install. There is a plastic guide that is used if you can find a local person that has repaired there's and still have it. Works great. Check the bolts inside the cover for the proper torque. Do some reading on duing the timing this way. It can be done, and has been done, but the Injection pump tower lift is the proper way. Fill in your profile so we know what you have, Congrates on the new ride.
Marv.

DL1221

Sounds like someone took out your block heater, and put in freeze plug in its place. Just change the coolant while you're at it. The system holds 6 gallons of coolant, you should use low-silicate antifreeze.

I would do the timing and KDP at the same time. Advancing the timing is super easy when you have the timing cover off.

With 123k miles, I would recommend a new crank seal, its easy to do it now. TST has a KDP kit for $50, it has everything you need. However, instead of silicone I used a Cummins gasket for the timing cover, when I used silicone it leaked. Here's a link to the kit, it has very good instructions:

http://www.tstproducts.com/index.asp...PROD&ProdID=64

Here is a link with instructions to do the timing. They are very good, the only thing they leave out is that the timing gear and the pump shaft have to be supper clean, 100% oil free, otherwise your timing can slip, you need to clean them with brake and/or contact cleaner:

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1994/18-10-94a.htm

and the timing chart:

http://www.piersdiesel.com/TechPTiming.htm

You will need some specialized tools, at the very least a delivery valve socket. But Miller Tools and Snap On both have very nice timing kits for $300-400, which include everything you need for the job. Search this forum for timing, and you'll get way more information.

Good luck, and congratulations on your new truck.