Thanks, Kandgo. How do you make the tab? I've heard you weld a piece of metal on to a washer. True or false? Or can I get a part # from a local diesel shop or my "trusty" Dodge dealer?

 

The tab is available at a Cummins shop...as I recall, it is only about a $3 item.

 

Picture number 5 on the first page of this thread shows a tab...

 

Though the jig method works for many, I now prefer the tab fix. We have done both here. If you'd like, I'll answer any questions on IM, as I don't want this to turn into a "one vs. the other" argument. The most important thing is that the tab gets retained. Each method has it's advantages. Were it my own truck, and considering our competence and skill level, the tab is the only way I'd currently employ. Anyone doing this needs to consider all options, and make their decision based upon their individual situation.

Like Charlie Pride says, just "Get It Done"

 

Here is list of part #'s from cummins Timing cover gasket,cm3928673 Front oil seal cm3804899, Tab cm3958017, Dowel pin if yours has fallen out,cm3900257, the tab is 96 cents,they are flimsey and will bend easily,I would make your own and thicker too! If you do then you will need a 8mmx1.25x25mm preferably grade 8, I have never needed to replace the timing cover gasket,as if you are careful they can be reused, IF anyone needs well thought out directions for the repair and a diagram of the self made tab email me and I will get them to you, Goodluck Rick

 

Just FYI, the tab included in the TST kit is heavy duty. I have no problem with fabbing my own, but there is no need with this product available.
I do believe that the front cover gasket could be re-used. I would choose not to, and would use high quality RTV as a replacement for it. I've got it on many other sealing surfaces, except for my oil drain plug, : (inside joke )
IMHO, the most difficult part of this is the installation of the crank seal in the front cover. Tight fit. Take your time, as it will go, eventually.....
For those who have no experience with this, the TST kit includes all you need, with good instructions. I would not, however, attempt this w/o a good place to work, adequate tool supply, and someone who has done it before. Done right, it's the way to go.

 

Hey,Bigk, gooddeal on the stronger tab,the Cummins is really flimsy,so flimsey that the first one I used I had to set it right to torque it as it covered the hole,the first bent to easy,does tst sell them seperatly?Thanks, Rick

 

BBWD,The truck has 155 thousand miles on it, and I was about to go 4wheeling later that day, I wonder if it would have fallen out ???

 

Who knows,but aren't you glad you caught it in time,mine was out and lacked maybe a 1/4 to a 1/16,I am preparing this truck to go on a 10k trip up thru Canada and Alaska next summer and what a bad time we would have had if it came out so far away from home and the money it would of cost me to have someone else do the repair,anyway,goodddeal on the fix,It was not a hard repair was it?? Goodluck Rick

 

[quote author=BigK link=board=16;threadid=22760;start=15#msg213710 date=1069720997]
I would choose not to, and would use high quality RTV as a replacement for it. I've got it on many other sealing surfaces, except for my oil drain plug, : (inside joke )
[/quote]

That would be me...

 

Come on now! Let us all in on the inside joke Thanks Rick

 

[quote author=DEZLPWR link=board=16;threadid=22760;start=15#msg213922 date=1069744098]
[quote author=BigK link=board=16;threadid=22760;start=15#msg213710 date=1069720997]
I would choose not to, and would use high quality RTV as a replacement for it. I've got it on many other sealing surfaces, except for my oil drain plug, : (inside joke )
[/quote]

That would be me...
[/quote]

DEZLPWR's oil drain plug is striped so he puts silicone all over it so it wont leak. : It looks real tacky also.

 

Could you just JB weld the pin back in place? Its cheap and sounds like it would work.

 

[quote author=Jambbii link=board=16;threadid=22760;start=15#msg213887 date=1069737610]
BBWD,The truck has 155 thousand miles on it, and I was about to go 4wheeling later that day, I wonder if it would have fallen out ???
[/quote]

The reason I asked is because is seems to occur above 100K miles. For pictures of what can happen see the thread started by Gunracer1 on this forum. Glad you got it fixed
John (DH)

 

[quote author=NAIL BENDER link=board=16;threadid=22760;start=15#msg214617 date=1069892033]
[quote author=DEZLPWR link=board=16;threadid=22760;start=15#msg213922 date=1069744098]
[quote author=BigK link=board=16;threadid=22760;start=15#msg213710 date=1069720997]
I would choose not to, and would use high quality RTV as a replacement for it. I've got it on many other sealing surfaces, except for my oil drain plug, : (inside joke )
[/quote]

That would be me...
[/quote]

DEZLPWR's oil drain plug is striped so he puts silicone all over it so it wont leak. : It looks real tacky also.
[/quote]

Hey, it's not stripped, it just leaks, and I use black silicon so you only notice it when I drive OVER you...