When I bought my truck I was aware of the KDP issue. I soon thereafter took in to get the timing increased and amost all liquids replaced. I asked a good shop about the KDP issue and was informed that my truck had been worked on. When I asked how he could tell, he told me that I was missing the engine info metal cover off of the engine. He went on to tell me that it looked like I also recieved a new timing gear cover. He wasn't sue as to why but then went on to tell me that with an updated cover, there was a change made so that the cover would guard against the dowell plug from ever comming out. Is that true?

How can I tell if I have that new cover?

Tom

 

I have replaced several of these housings, and I don't think you can tell without taking the cover off to look inside. Even then it's hard to tell. On the new housing, the KDP is still visible, but slightly below the surface, instead of flush, on the old style housing. The new style has a very small shoulder on the outside of the hole so the KDP can't escape.

 

I am uncertian,the mech,told you it had a new cover not a new housing?? If so until you look at the dowel yourself or if it has not been jig repaired,I would be sure it is done.An updated cover is something I would question,as I have never seen one,someone else chime in here, There is however a updated housing,and I doubt you have one unless your truck has had either a kdp failure or some other work done and even at that why would they change out your housing to a updated one when they can just tab it,anyway goodluck and if you would like to repair it yoursef let me know and if someone else here does'nt send you some info by tonight when my computer is up I will email you the info. As I am at a buds house using his, Rick

 

My truck has the updated housing. I found this out when I went to tab my kdp. Luckily I had the motor out rebuilding it at the time :. The housing has a tapered shoulder over the kdp that extends almost to the timing cover. This tapered hole/shoulder restricts the kdp from comming out.
The fact that my truck has the updated housing as well as the fact that it spun a rod bearing has definately got me wondering what kind of maintenance the previous owner did or rather didnt do :-. You may want to look into your trucks history a little closer if possible.
Scott

 

I know there are some part numbers cast into the housing that will tell you which version it is, but they are inside the cover. However, I think there is a way you can tell from the casting below where the CPL plate should be found.

Call the service manager at Cummins NW, across the river from you, and ask if he has someone that can look at the front gear case housing and tell you if it is the new casting. It will cost you a few bucks, but will be worth the peace of mind to know if you have the improved housing.

 

I have always heard that the outside of the covers are identical, with no way to tell if you have the updated one. I would really like to know a way to identify it.

I have a '99, with 75,000 miles and am about ready to fix the KDP...would be nice to know ahead of time!

 

Hey,dsljunkie,It would have been great to see a photo of the updated cover,do you have one?? If not tear yours apart for us and take one Just kidding, I would like to see one,Thanks and goodluck Rick

 

i replaced my front cover with a updated one also, it had the shoulder in it so that the dowel could not slide past it. but i didn't take any pics either. mike

 

Does anyone have any info as to how much these covers are?

 

About $250

If the engine CPL plate (engine data plate) is missing the case was probably replaced with an upgraded one when the KDP cut lose and cracked the original case. The plates don't come off easily like by accident nor would there be a reason to take one off on purpose.

 

Here at the shop we get about one truck a week that has dropped a dowel pin and broke it's case.
Like somone mentioned above, no one can look at the outside and tell because they're both identical except for where the dowel pin is.
You can bet since it has been replaced, it is the updated case. I wouldn't worry about it.

The gear case p/n is 3936256 and lists for about $250.

 

whats the part number for the old one without the shoulder in it?

 

probably the same number

 

Well i got mineapart it of course my cover is cracked....off to the dealer to roundup parts.Im assuming there is no way aroundpulling the camshaft ?

 

nope, the front of the truck's gotta come off