1999 Cummins ISB 24V oil pan gasket change

[Bad Bolt]

I have a lot of crusty oil from build up front to back of the pan. It's even on the radiator. I got under the rig and wiped some of the crud from the middle part of the passenger side of the pan and noticed fresh oil the following day.

I guess the first, cheapest and easiest thing for a backyard mechanic is to change the oil pan gasket.

Is the pan gasket for my rig different than a Dodge pickup that has a Cummins? I doubt it; but, I need to be sure. I know pans differ. Just wondering about the gasket.

If there are any precautions, please let me know.

What is that open steel tube near the front of the engine for? Is that some kind of breather tube. Maybe a lot of the oil buildup came from that. This is my first MH, and diesel powered.

Anyone know the torque speck for the pan bolts, by chance...

TIA

[palehorse89]

I had mine off last winter, not a bad job. Don't mess around with a aftermarket gasket.....go right to your local Cummins shop and get a OEM gasket. Use a thin bead of Permatex's ultra copper on both sides of the gasket. 18' lbs. is the torque spec. As far as the tube hanging down, yes that is the breather tube for the engine. Drill holes in a water bottle top, pepper it with 1/4" holes and rig it onto that tube and things will stay a lot cleaner.The torquing pattern is for the ISC but would be the same I believe. Look at post #7 & 10 and you will see my setup for my breather tube here http://www.irv2.com/forums/f124/tire...ap-164057.html

[Wizard]

That open tube is a breather and often referred to as a slobber tube. Reason is that oil will exit the tube and coat everything. A search will turn up ways to devise a catch can for the oil. I use the peanut butter jar method.

The oil will coat the CAC which is mounted in front of the radiator and cause dirt to stick and can completely block the air flow if not cleaned on a regular basis

[Triker56]

What is that open steel tube near the front of the engine for? Is that some kind of breather tube. Maybe a lot of the oil buildup came from that.

Do a search for slobber tube. On how to keep oil & dirt from clogging the CAC & radiator. Also your CAC & Radiator probably needs a good cleaning.

[Bad Bolt]

Great info, Thanks!

Now, can anyone advise on how to clean the radiator and what products that WORK and which to avoid to prevent damage to aluminum.

Is a high pressure water wand out of the question?

So, the CAC is in front of the radiator and the radiator is what I see when I lift the engine cover under the bed? Or vise versa...

[Hooligan]

Simple Green is a good cleaner for the radiator and CAC. With a rear radiator, the CAC is closer to the engine. Apply Simple Green to both sides and flush with garden hose. It is possible to bend the fins with a pressure washer held too close. After cleaning look though with a flashlight from behind to see if it's clean.
Your oil build up may just be from the slobber tube, not the pan gasket. In later years Cummins extended the tube and it's common to add an extension to the tube to get the snarff away from the radiator and fan.. Don't block the tube, it has to drain and be sure water can't collect in a low spot and freeze in the tube..
Simple green discussion on Aluminum..Frequently Asked Questions

[onechaddude]

Originally Posted by Hooligan

Simple Green is a good cleaner for the radiator and CAC. With a rear radiator, the CAC is closer to the engine. Apply Simple Green to both sides and flush with garden hose. It is possible to bend the fins with a pressure washer held too close. After cleaning look though with a flashlight from behind to see if it's clean.
Your oil build up may just be from the slobber tube, not the pan gasket. In later years Cummins extended the tube and it's common to add an extension to the tube to get the snarff away from the radiator and fan.. Don't block the tube, it has to drain and be sure water can't collect in a low spot and freeze in the tube..
Simple green discussion on Aluminum..Frequently Asked Questions

Simple green has a heavy duty cleaner that is safe for aluminum and home depot has it for about $15 a gallon. I mix the simple green and a little dawn dish detergent in a cheap pump up sprayer and have at it. Seems to do a wonderful job for me. Hope this helps.
Chad

[Bad Bolt]

Hey, Dawn sounds like it would work well. Good tip.

[WILDEBILL308]

I would install a catch can for the slobber tube clean the area and see if it is the pan or oil from the slobber tube.
Bill