Hey all. First post here. Just bought my first Dodge today. It's a 98 2500, 4X4, Cummins, A/T, Extra Cab, Long bed with 260K miles. It seems to be clean for the most part except for a major oil leak coming from the front of the engine. It's not the valve cover as the top of the engine is dry. I'm thinking timing cover or crank seal? There's oil on the passenger side of the block & in the center which seems to indicate the oil is slinging the direction of the crank rotation. Any common issues with this? I've never worked on a Cummins engine before but I'm fairly capable or wrenching on my own stuff.
I've done some reading on the KDP or "Killer Dowel Pin" and plan to do that upgrade which may take care of this leak at the same time (I hope) with a new TC gasket & crank seal since the timing cover is off. Any tips for a new Dodge newb to increase reliability? I may do a few simple bolt-on's such as exhaust, intake, gages, etc, but for now I don't intend to race it or get too crazy as I'm after longevity primarily. This truck will be my daily driver & be a backup to my 99 7.3 Superduty welding rig. I'm sure I'll have a bunch more questions as I get into this truck so thanks in advance. James.
I've done some reading on the KDP or "Killer Dowel Pin" and plan to do that upgrade which may take care of this leak at the same time (I hope) with a new TC gasket & crank seal since the timing cover is off. Any tips for a new Dodge newb to increase reliability? I may do a few simple bolt-on's such as exhaust, intake, gages, etc, but for now I don't intend to race it or get too crazy as I'm after longevity primarily. This truck will be my daily driver & be a backup to my 99 7.3 Superduty welding rig. I'm sure I'll have a bunch more questions as I get into this truck so thanks in advance. James.