Community Forums

Zoafan · 05-11-2013, 11:53 PM

1998 Discovery 36t
Cummins ISB 275
89k miles
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I had a thin single drip of oil under the coach and I spent hours trying to find it. I ended up taking it to the shop that has done repairs for me in the past and they were able to find it. They said it is coming from the gasket of the injection pump and suggest I replace the gasket. They said it is not dripping, more of a seepage. They tightened the bolts to make sure they were not lose and that did not resolve the issue. They wiped it down, drove it around and saw more fresh oil in that area but it was not dripping yet.
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Has anyone done this repair themselves? They said it is a cheap repair but it's a lot of labor to get to it and quoted me roughly $1,000 to fix it. I would like to do it myself if possible but first I would like to see if anyone has experience with this issue or if I should be looking elsewhere.
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Any input is appreciated

Skip426 · 05-12-2013, 09:38 AM

Is your engine 12 valve or 24 valve ? 98 was a change over year.
24 valve engines using the VF-44 electronic injector pump, had a " O " ring seal. The 24 valve pump Re & Re is much simpler than the 12 valve engine , because the injector pump timing is preset, using an offset key to the timing gear and a crankshaft possisioning sensor.
The pump Re & Re on a 12 valve ; JMHO ; is not a DIY job.

Zoafan · 05-12-2013, 11:32 AM

It is a 24 valve.

Skip426 · 05-13-2013, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoafan

It is a 24 valve.

Only one special tool involved; a very short reach gear puller ; I'll see if I can find a picture of it. That and metric hand tools and a torque wrench.
Should have asked before ; Rear or side rad?
If side rad you won't need the short reach gear puller.

Zoafan · 05-13-2013, 02:42 PM

It is a rear radiator.

So is this leak something that needs done? Has anyone experienced it before?

EngineerMike · 05-13-2013, 03:08 PM

Put a wad of blue paper shop towel wedged into the seam area to sop up the oil. Check it periodically. If it becomes serious then do the gasket change. If not, put the paper towel wad change on your to do list at appropriate intervals. This type of leak will not affect performance. Just a housekeeping mess.

Make sure BTW that the paper towel wad is firmly pressed into place; you don't want it getting sucked out into the fan/radiator & creating blockage.

Skip426 · 05-14-2013, 10:35 AM

The injector pump drive gear is " splash lubricated " not pressure so if the leak does get worse it should happen slowly. If the sealing "O " ring is just nicked the leak may remain constant for years; if the O ring is broken and shrinks away from the break , opening up a wider gap the leak may get worse quickly.
OTC & Miller tools supplied the special tools at the dealership where I worked , before I retired, going through their catalogs I've been unable to find a picture of the puller, I used at the shop. I'll keep looking.
BTW. On Dodge P/Us , re&re the injector pump on 98>02 Cummins 24 valve, was a 3.5 hr. flat rate job. I know access is an issue on M/Hs but $1000.00 seems like a lot. May be worth a few calls to see if a better price is available.