johnzie

Hi from over the pond..A friend of mine has recently got a 94 ram 2500 ctd...Iv'e read on some of these listings about the KDP and the 53 block.
As we're new to this vehicle, could someone please explain what these are and whats the need for/ how to check these items.

Thanks in advance.. Chris..

Geico266

Welcome to DTR

Do a search and you'll find what you are looking.

KDP is a dowel pin that left alone may fall out and cause $3,000 USD damage.

"53" block was a block casting number which may crack and leak coolant.

Willy91

Hi Chris welcome aboard! On a 94 you won't have to worry about the 53 block. The KDP is an alignment pin in the front gear case that can vibrate out and ruin your day. TST makes a kit to fix it. Do a search on here for it. TXDiesel007 made a very good writeup on how to fix it a while back.

johnzie

Hi Guys..Thanks for the reply's re the kdp.......I hadn't heard of that over here....we run 12v ctd's in our buses, and touch wood..havn't had any failures of that nature..( usually the camshafts go)
once again...Thanks....i will keep watching for other info on the board..

Chris..

Abbynormal

KDP Killer Dowel Pin. go to this page on the BD website.
http://www.bd-power.com/manuals/
click on "show all manuals"
find the one labeled Killer Dowel Pin (KDP)
download the PDF file.
It is a very good manual showing pictures and how to repair it.
A lot of people have made the tab themselves.

Most kits also come with a new crankshaft seal. Can someone chime in why that is ??? Is the new seal just good to do since you are already in the timing case ?

TxDiesel007

Thanks dude!

Here is the writeup

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...Repair+TST+kit

53 block is also later on in the 96-98 trucks, so you dont have to worry about it... Everything else ***** Said is right on the money...

Dont try to remove it either, it keeps the internals aligned... just tab it and be done with it..

Rick

infidel

Think it's just cheap insurance in case you mess up the old seal removing/putting the cover back on.
I've heard of many people reusing to old seal but only a few having to go back and replace it because of leaking. Guess it just depends on whether you want to take the chance of being one of those few.
You will still have to use an alignment/installation tool that comes with a new seal.

Common practice is to replace any seal you remove.

gmctd

Check the original seal with your finger(s) - if the teflon 'lip' is easily flexible and returns to shape, it could be re-used.

Clean all the oil residue off the lip and crank - new seal is intended to run dry, and will probably leak if installed wet.

Yeah, yeah - I know, and I'm still in disbelief, but that is per Cummins and Dodge shop manual.

Go figure..................

Ironstone

I have been reading up on the KDP. Is there an easy way to check to see if the pin has been tabbed already?

smokinrod

Not really it would be easier to get someomne with a jig to pin it verse taking the cover off to look, at least I think .

Dr. Evil

Nope - youve got to pull the timing cover.

Ironstone

OK thanks. Maybe I better try and track down the previous owner. The engine was supposed to have been resealed like 6 months ago. I can't imagine them going to all the trouble resealing it and not tabbing the dowel.

Ironstone

Man did I luck out. I managed to contact the previous owner today and he assured me the pin has been tabbed. Thats great news. He also told me the reason it had been tabbed. The old one came out. He had it all repaired. So I am interested in knowing what kind of damage occurs when the pin comes out. I know it damages the timing case but anything else (valves, pushrods, cam, etc)? Is there anything I should expect or look for after this fact?

Thanks

fschiola

I don't know if this is what you're looking for, but it will give you an idea of what's involved in replacing the timing case only.

Click

Dr. Evil

You did luck out. The dowel pin can fall out and get into the gears etc. In some cases, you have to pull the cam to do the repair. Ugly and expensive if you cant do the work yourself.