Is this a good idea to protect my engine?
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Is this a good idea to protect my engine?
I have a 06 Cummins 5.9 (91K miles) and plan to get a low fuel pressure light installed. When talking to the mechanics one of them suggested that while they were working on the engine it would be a good idea to pull the cover off the gears that do the timing at the front of the engine just below the injector pump. He says there is a dowel pin beside one of the gears for line up and they have been known to work loose and fall in the gears. He says to remove a bolt and put a small clip with a hole in it under the bolt head to hold the dowel in place. This would also require taking the radiator out. Has anyone ever heard of this happening? Would it be worth the money or is it over kill on doing the PM?
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
I have a 06 Cummins 5.9 (91K miles) and plan to get a low fuel pressure light installed. When talking to the mechanics one of them suggested that while they were working on the engine it would be a good idea to pull the cover off the gears that do the timing at the front of the engine just below the injector pump. He says there is a dowel pin beside one of the gears for line up and they have been known to work loose and fall in the gears. He says to remove a bolt and put a small clip with a hole in it under the bolt head to hold the dowel in place. This would also require taking the radiator out. Has anyone ever heard of this happening? Would it be worth the money or is it over kill on doing the PM?
Do a seach on "Killer dowel Pin" for more info.
You may want to search out a better diesel mechanic.
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Elkton, MD
The dowel pin issue is a problem that is common for the '89-'98 1/2 model year 12 valve Cummins and is something that can have catastrophic results. However, this issue does not relate at all to the third generation CTD Ram trucks. The low pressure light is a good Idea, but why not install a fuel pressure gauge?
Now would be a good time to seek out a new diesel mechanic. One that is up to speed on the newer technology.
Now would be a good time to seek out a new diesel mechanic. One that is up to speed on the newer technology.
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Thanks for the replies!! I did ask him about the guage and got side tracked with the fact that a Banks or Edge comp would show the pressure. I would prefer the guage and need to gather more info before going on with the installation. for now I want to stay stock. My camper is 11K in weight....Thanks!!
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From: NW Arkansas
As mentioned the KDP is for the old gen engines. A fuel pressure gauge is a good idea. You might also consider other gauges such as Exhaust Gas Temp (EGT), boost pressure, rail pressure, and last but not least a real oil pressure gauge.
The best thing that you can do to protect your engine, that is injectors and CP3, is to add additional fuel filtration and water seperation.
The best thing that you can do to protect your engine, that is injectors and CP3, is to add additional fuel filtration and water seperation.
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From: Banning, ca same house 73yrs
All 12v and 981/2 to 2002 24v cummins engines have the timing case dowel pin inside the timing case above the cam gear. the common rail 24v `03 and up have the dowel pins outside the timing case, just above the oil pan on both sides. if you`ve got an early 24v , I would check it out.
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