no KDP issues on 1st gens?
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: socal
no KDP issues on 1st gens?
What is a KDP?
Answer: Killer Dowel Pin
In the back of the timing gear case, there is an assembly alignment pin pressed into a hole. The pin is there to align the timing case to the block. Some holes do not fit tightly around the pin and the pin can vibrate out of the hole and fall into the gear train. The pin is then rattled around by the timing gears until it either falls into the oil pan, gets kicked out through the side of the timing case, or passes through gear train bending the camshaft and ruining the gears and case. This pertains to the 94-98.5 engines. There are some reports of this occuring on some of the early ISB engines.
Answer: Killer Dowel Pin
In the back of the timing gear case, there is an assembly alignment pin pressed into a hole. The pin is there to align the timing case to the block. Some holes do not fit tightly around the pin and the pin can vibrate out of the hole and fall into the gear train. The pin is then rattled around by the timing gears until it either falls into the oil pan, gets kicked out through the side of the timing case, or passes through gear train bending the camshaft and ruining the gears and case. This pertains to the 94-98.5 engines. There are some reports of this occuring on some of the early ISB engines.
sorry if im
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,457
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From: KENTUCKY
Before the internet came along to scare us all to death, I had never heard of any issues with the dowel pin.
There are many of these 1st Gen. trucks running around with a blue million miles on them and I have not heard of one having damage from the pin.
Never-the-less, if I were in there where the thing lives, I would definitely tab it.
There are many of these 1st Gen. trucks running around with a blue million miles on them and I have not heard of one having damage from the pin.
Never-the-less, if I were in there where the thing lives, I would definitely tab it.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 701
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From: Mossy Head, FL
The answer is yes they do have issues but not as many. Do you really want to chance that one of the fewer will be you? Not me, mine is tabbed and my case bolts are locktited and tightened properly. My pin had not moved yet but my case bolts were a little loose. It was worth my 3 hours time and a little money for my peace of mind. 
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 86
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From: Northern CA
rlyons is right. Yes it is an issue. I found mine was out about 1/8". Drove it back in, staked the hole, then also added a tab over it. Also need to check the bolts that secure the cover to the block. Those will back out and cause just as much trouble as the KDP.
Just not worth taking a chance guys.
Just not worth taking a chance guys.
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 25
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From: Knoxville
Mine Come Out
Not to be the bearer (sp) on bad news but my come out in December. It cracked the front cover in several places.
I also heard it doesn't happen very ofter but it does happen.
My truck had 92,000 miles on it when it come out. For peace of mind tab it. Believe me it is much cheaper to tab it then replace the front cover.
BTW, I think this is just my second post. I would like to say I really enjoy the forum. Thank You.
I also heard it doesn't happen very ofter but it does happen.
My truck had 92,000 miles on it when it come out. For peace of mind tab it. Believe me it is much cheaper to tab it then replace the front cover.
BTW, I think this is just my second post. I would like to say I really enjoy the forum. Thank You.
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