Hi Guys,
New the forum, new to Dodge, and New to Diesels. And well, I have some questions.

2 Weeks ago, I purchased a 1999 4X4 Sport with a 161,000 miles on it (Build date is 10-98 and it has the silver with red valve cover). I recently had the transmission fluid changed and they found part of the overdrive clip in the pan, that is costing me a pretty penny to get the tranny changed. So I guess I am looking for info on what I got myself into.

I have managed to come up with a few questions, some of which seem a little concerning.

First off, what is a 53 block and how do I find out if I have one?

Secondly, What is the "killer dowel pin" and is this a problem in this model year truck?

Third, Is the Lifter pump (VP44) really that bad? I don't know if the one in there is the origional or not. Is there an OEM replacement? If I understand this correctly, if the Lifter Pump goes that is very bad for the more expensive Injector pump. Right?

I have more questions, but thsi is a good start. These seem to be the more costly problems.

Thanks for the help

 

Best to do a search on those subjects.

Welcome to DTR!

 

The injection pump is the vp44. The lift pump is on the drivers side of the engine behind the filter. If you want to dig around, the replacement pump would have a plug on the bottom that the wire plugs into, the original would have a six inch pair of wires coming out of the pump with a plug on the end. IF your fuel pressure drops below five or six on wide open throttle, a new one can be purchased from Cummins, much cheaper than Dodge.

If it is a 53 block, which is probably is, look at the front of the engine from the bottom of the truck, on the drivers side. Just above the oil pan rail, you would see a large 53 in raised letter 1 1/2 inches or so high.

 

Thanks for the Info. The Block is a 53 and it looks like it is still on the original VP44. I found the the lifter pump, but couldn't tell if it is still the orginal or not.

 

The only real way to check the lift pump is to check the fuel pressure (at the fuel filter outlet) reading with a pressure guage.

Also, read up on your 53 block:

http://www.stamey.nu/Truck/Cummins53BlockFAQ.htm

Why are you changing the tranny??? If its an auto - I would suggest doing some upgrades instead of putting a stock auto back in.

As for the KDP - it is a pin that was used to align your timing acase on the engine & yes it is a problem with your truck and it needs to be addressed ASAP

Doing a search or just reading through the 24V forums will give you tons of info. and answer a LOT of your questions.

 

Dr. Evil

Thanks for the link.

Its an auto tranny and I am upgrading to the ATS IV tranny instead of the stock one. About a third of one of the e-clips that help hold the thing together (dealer says it hold the OD gear in place) was found in the tranny pan. Figure now it is just a matter of time before it goes.

I will be taking it into the auto hobby shop on base to change out the tranny, at the same time I will deal with the KDP as well as put on a AMSOil Bypass filter.

Ordered a fuel pressure meter today as well. I have a feeling that I am just getting started on fixing things on this truck. But if figure that once the tranny is in place and some of these other things are addressed, it should be good for another 161,000 miles for half the price of a new one.