Removed cover to replace seal and fix the KDP and I found out....it's missing, nowhere to be found.

Can this end up in the oil pan through the bottom hole ?

Otherwise is it a problem being without it ?

 

There's another thread like this going on right now. I think it's "KDP got Killed". That guy bought a used truck only to later find the same thing, pin is MIA. He found his front timimg cover is busted and full of silicon sealer. Check your timing cover to make sure it isn't busted. The pin can fall allthe way down through the timing cover, look around carefully.

On edit, here's the link; https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...ght=KDP+killed

 

sometimes they end up in the oil pan without any damage. could have come out with an oil change, could not. you should tap a new one in it's place and tab it. magnetic drain plug or a swivel magnetic tool may help to recover it. nice if you could recover it because you could clean it then inspect it to see if it's been crunched at all.

 

Definitely replace the dowel pin, it needs to be there.
They're like $2 from Cummins.

 

Bill correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the dowl pin is used by the factory to help align the front cover, when the engine is assembled. I know mine came out about 90,000 miles ago and hasn't been replaced yet.

 

the pin does help in the assembly process, but has a purpose also. it keeps the mesh of the gears correct. without it they could mesh too hard and cause premature wear. or if the case splits and you keep running it the gears could not be meshing enough and skip or who knows what else could happen. its better just to put 1 in.

 

There are actually two dowel pins to keep the case aligned. The bolt holes have a lot of slop plus the soft aluminum of the case doesn't hold torque well. The pins are essential.

 

Ok, Ok, gents, hold your horses... the result of all this is....
It came out and only cracked the case (thank godness.... )

I found it after a while, now follow the next thread for the question:

Is the 24v inner cover same as 12v cover ?