I have seen and heard numerous varying opinions on whether or not the killer dowel pin is an issue on our trucks. My pickup is not out of the garage yet since I tore the interior out to fix my electrical gremlins. Is that something I should do while its parked anyway? It has 450,000+ miles on it wouldn't it have caused an issue by now if it was going to? Like I said there's a lot of opinions on the matter.

 

It is definitely an issue. I've been bitten twice by the KDP on the three trucks I've been running.

 

The trouble is nobody can tell if a particular engine will spit the pin. If you tab it, it becomes a mute point. If a pin dislocates, it usually causes significant damage. Does the word "insurance" mean anything to you?

 

Is there a link to a step by step on how to get to it and fix it?

 

Try thus
5.9L 12v Cummins KDP Tab Installation Instructions

I used the cardboard from the new timing cover gasket and traced a template of the timing cover so I could make sure and put the correct bolts back in their respective places. Also helps to put the crankshaft seal in the freezer for an hour or two to shrink it up some. I also installed it from the backside of the cover which seemed somewhat easier

 

It's also a good idea while you have it open to re-torque the bolts that hold the back cover to the block

 

Thanks for the link, while it is straight forward there were steps I would have missed had I just dove into it.

 

Attached is the Technical Service Bulletin from Cummins which covers the KDP issue. Our First Gen engines have the "Bossed Gear Housing" for which Cummins recommends using a punch to create a bur in back of the dowel pin rather than installing a tab.