I have owned 3 12 valve cummins over the last 15 years in trucks and motorhomes and have never touched the kdp and never had a problem. I also know at least 10 people in my area that have had early cummins engines in there trucks and none of them ever had a problem with the kdp either and after reading about the kdp problems i asked a diesel shop in my area who has worked on hundreds of cummins engines and they told me they have only heard of one engine that had this problem. I also talked to cummins factory rep and they said they heard of the problem but it is very rare so i decided not to bother with fixing the kdp and just take my chances but thats just my thoughts.

 

I had it done at 355k.
Don't remember how much it cost, but it was worth it.
It's not that bad of a job really, just read up on it and get a KDP kit

 

but what if you become that one guy?

i know i cant afford a new engine but doing the KDP fix was alot easier than instructions make it out to be and a heck of a lot cheaper than a new or even used engine.

if i were you i would definatley do it. you dont have to purchase a kit for it. order a seal, get some red RTV, and make a little tab to go over the KDP. it can be done on the cheap side and still done right. dont forget locktite...

i have also seen another method posted on here that is way faster. if involves a special "jig" with a drill bit. they drill the hole (in the timing case), tap it, and put a bolt in and it covers the KDP. it was my understanding that it can only be done if the KDP is still in its place or darn close to it.

 

i just had to fix mine it worked out and cracked the case and the gears a total of $998 in repairs

 

You have good luck, might as well cancel your insurance too.

 

Thats a cheap fix compared to some.

I know I sleep a whole lot better since mine got fixed. I certainly would not take this gamble.

 

OK...Found out why the belt didn't fit. Tensioner was installed wrong. Hooked everything up and started the old beast. It sounds great, no oil leaks. Now I just need to fix my new problems the windshield washer fluid has started leaking, and need to save the cash for the front end parts.

 

Kdp Is Now Killed!!!

 

did it look like your pin had moved at all?

 

CMAC: The pin was flush with the surface, it had hardly moved. My guess is I was the first person to open that cover since it was assembled.

 

Mine moved 3/16"