Hello, all. I'm looking to convert my Chevy to Cummins power, and have a few questions on a motor I found.
It's a 96, with 122K miles, from a wrecked truck. He is asking $3500 obo. (supposed to have all accesories) Is this reasonable? Also, what do I need to look for on the engine? Any special concerns? (I'm new to the Cummins) it is out of the vehicle, so may not be able to crank beforehand. Said he'd give me a 30 day garantee.
Do I need to pass on this, or is it a good deal?
Vehicle it will be transplanted in is an 82 3/4T 4x4 with an NV4500.

Thanks
Virgil

 

I think price is a steal, 122k is nothing for a Cummins, trust me, if it was 222,000 then I coul say to be careful, but at 122k.....geez get it before I do.

Interesting swap, I have a '95 Suburban 3/4ton and want to do same swap, I'll be following your threads if you are willing to keep it up through the whole conversion.

To clear up the quality of Cummins check my new thread about it after 229,000 miles....

 

Thanks Valv,
Will make arrangements to go look/buy next week, as he said he would be out of town this weekend.
Shouldn't have to do much, make mounts, c/o input shaft in the 4500 and get the Dodge bellhousing. I'm sure I will run into a few snags.

Not being able to crank it, is there anything I should look for in terms of problems? Will make sure it is not seized, but anything else to be aware of? Any way to check on the dowel pin problem externally?

Thanks,

Virgil

 

Check down the passenger side of the timing gear case for cracks. Make sure it hasn't been fixed with JB Weld or something. There's a dowel pin inside the case that works it's way out over time and gets caught up in the timing gears. It usually ends up coming out the side of the case. You have to pull the cam to fix it properly. Do a search for "KDP" or "killer dowel pin" and you'll find lots of info on it. It's a fairly easy procedure to take care of as long as the pin hasn't come all the way out. This is a very common problem with these motors until about '99 or so when the revised the timing gear case.

Do you know if the motor is stock? Is it out of a 5-speed or an auto truck? The 5-speed motors have a higher output injection pump and bigger injectors.

 

Berner,
It was an auto.
Any power the Cummins is going to be an improvement over the 350 currently in my truck (which replaced a gutless 6.2)


Virgil

 

Get that timing gear cover off first thing and get the TST kit to tab it before you mount the engine. 1 - it'll be a lot easier to do. 2 ) you'll know right off if you have any damage from a slipped pin.

Welcome to the board ! Good luck and stay with us, keep us posted on the project.

 

Abbynormal,
Where in N. Miss. are you located?

Just curious.

Virgil

 

Their was a BIG write up about this very same conversion in this website about 6 months ago. I remember reading lots of good info. I think it was under the "general diesel" category. Good luck, KD

 

New Albany, will you be able to come to the chapter meeting in Tupelo Saturday ? Isn't Liberty way down south ?

 

No, I won't be able to make it. Family gathering this weekend. I used to live in Amory.

Yes, Liberty is in the southwest corner of the state about 40 miles from Natchez.

Virgil

 

First thing I would do is put a socket on the front and turn the engine over. Put the socket on one of the four bolts on the crank dampner. The one the speed sensor is on. Be sure it ain't locked up. Look in the turbo compressor side for oil. You don't want any. Check the fan and the engine for and damage. Turn the turbo by hand. Is it lose, or is there any slop in it. If there is any oil in it, what does it look like. Check the oil pan for any damage.

And get the warranty for thirty days after you get it runnin. I don't think you will get it installed that soon.

..Preston..

 

Thanks Turbo Thom,
If you can think of anything else I need to check, I would greatly appreciate it.

Virgil