I'm looking at an early 98 and it has an oil leak at the front of the engine somewhere. It isn't severe, but enough to make the bottom of the ac compressor wet with oil. It doesn't leave any spots where it's parked. Any thoughts as to the best way to make sure I'm not buying a truck that needs a new timing case? Thank you guys very much!

 

Get a really bright light and closely inspect the front timing cover for cracks or holes.

 

And a mirror that can let you see behind the pulleys. It is very difficult to see the usual place the pin will crack the case- behind the fan drive pulley.

 

I've tried with a mirror, you can't see behind the pulley enough to be certain.
Short of pulling the pulley best bet is to clean the area up and identify where the leak is really coming from.
Most often a cracked case leaks much more than a gasket or seal, fresh oil will be evident even after a short drive.

 

I was planning on pulling the cover off to replace a leaking seal and to fix the dowel pin. I was told to just pull the dowel pin out and throw it away. Told its not needed. Is this correct? It seems like it wouldn't be needed once the case is in place. Why not just throw it away and not worry about it?

V/R
Steve

 

The KDP

must be tabbed, and pushed back into the hole that it came out. You cannot remove it. I have understood that it is supposed to keep engine parts aligned when the engine goes into the truck, may as well keep them aligned rather than mess with them and pull the pin out....

Use the TST kit.. 4 hours, and 50 bucks later, you can sleep better at nite

Rick

 

When mine was leaking, i could stand in front of truck while running, rev. it up and hold a steady high rpm. and i could watch the oil start running out from underneath the idler pulley down the side of the timing case. Check my pics for location of crack.

 

If it's not dripping when you park it's not KDP damage.

 

Nope....dont remove the pin (you probably cant anyway), throw the tab on, Loctite the other bolts under the cover and button it up.

 

Thanks for the replies. I hope you're right. This looks like a nice truck and is exactly what I've been looking for. 98 12v auto qc sb sport with a gray cloth interior. It couldn't be more perfect accept for lower miles. It has 142k and it's $13,500 and all stock.

 

For that price

it would be a steal here in Tx..... ive seen them with twice that mileage in that configuration go for 15K or so...

Good find! and best of luck with it...

Rick