My new 04 diesel's engine oil is being contaminated with fuel. The
problem is quite bad - at least 50% dilution after 300 miles. I've
taken it to Dodge 3 times now and they are still having trouble figuring
this out - only 5000 miles on it. They tell me they checked out the
injectors, replaced the head, and now are replacing the injector pump.
Has anyone heard of this problem with the new Cummins? Ideas? Places to
look?
Thanks
John_F - 23 Jul 2004 04:25 GMT
Take it to a Cummins DIESEL shop. They have the equipment and the
EXPERIENCE. The DC garage does not work on Diesels except during a
blue moon on the fifth month of the 6 th year from who knows when.
>My new 04 diesel's engine oil is being contaminated with fuel. The
>problem is quite bad - at least 50% dilution after 300 miles. I've
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
>Thanks
Steve Barker - 23 Jul 2004 04:28 GMT
Mechanical fuel pump or injection pump. Duh, only places it CAN get in.

Signature
Steve
=========
> My new 04 diesel's engine oil is being contaminated with fuel. The
> problem is quite bad - at least 50% dilution after 300 miles. I've
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
> Thanks
Roy - 23 Jul 2004 05:24 GMT
> My new 04 diesel's engine oil is being contaminated with fuel. The
> problem is quite bad - at least 50% dilution after 300 miles. I've
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
> Thanks
Could have injectors leaking by. In any event 50% dilution is not good. You
might think of getting a oil sample and check to see if there has been any
bearing damage.
Roy
Tom Lawrence - 23 Jul 2004 06:22 GMT
> this out - only 5000 miles on it. They tell me they checked out the
> injectors, replaced the head, and now are replacing the injector pump.
It sounds like they have no clue what they're doing. Replaced the head?
Last I checked, fuel doesn't flow through the head. It's POSSIBLE the pump
could be leaking, and letting fuel get into the front cover, and therefore
the oil, but it's more common that one or more injectors is leaking, and
dumping way too much fuel into the cylinder(s).
You say the oil's getting diluted with fuel. Does the level in the
crankcase rise, or is it the same level but just diluted with fuel? What's
your fuel economy like? Do you idle the truck for long periods of time?
If it were me, I'd ask (firmly, but politely) that a new engine be procured
and installed, because of possible damage done to the internals due to the
oil dilution. Barring that, I'd ask that they allow the truck to be taken
to an authorized Cummins dealer for repair, since they've already had three
shots at it and haven't fixed it (assuming the injector pump swap doesn't
cure things).
There have been a few (very few) reports of leaking injectors over at
http://www.turbodieselregister.com - I've never seen a report as bad as
yours sounds, though.
Steve Martin - 23 Jul 2004 15:13 GMT
Thanks for the advice everyone
The truck doesn't idle much at all - mostly highway driving and I havn't even
started to haul much yet. The oil level rises quickly, then starts to dump out
(the entire bottom of the truck is now covered with diesel and oil). Economy is
variable, when the oil gets diluted the economy goes down (about 14 - 16 mpg).
Also - oil pressure has always been great - even when diluted and no knocking
in the engine so I think the bearings are OK so far.
> > this out - only 5000 miles on it. They tell me they checked out the
> > injectors, replaced the head, and now are replacing the injector pump.
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
> http://www.turbodieselregister.com - I've never seen a report as bad as
> yours sounds, though.
Roy - 23 Jul 2004 16:50 GMT
> Thanks for the advice everyone
>
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> Also - oil pressure has always been great - even when diluted and no knocking
> in the engine so I think the bearings are OK so far.
Not to rain on your parade but, what happens with fuel dilution is it wipes
the bearings and then things will get hot real quick. Once things get hot a
couple of things may happen, the engine will seize, throw a rod, or a
crankcase explosion will occur.
Tow the truck to Cummins and get a visgage reading, and have it properly
diagnosed and repaired, if it can be repaired.
As Tom said, at this stage I'd be screaming for a new engine. He said to ask
firmly. Sorry.
Roy
Joseph Myers - 23 Jul 2004 19:19 GMT
I had this happen on my 89 some years ago, it was the injection pump
drive shaft seal. The seal cost a few dollars, to replace it cost
hundreds of dollars due to the R&R labor cost. I set my engine on TDC
and the removed the pump myself. Took it in and had the seal replaced,
cost me $60, then reinstalled it myself. No more fuel in oil problem.
>My new 04 diesel's engine oil is being contaminated with fuel. The
>problem is quite bad - at least 50% dilution after 300 miles. I've
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
>Thanks