1/1/2003
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Are there really two different GM cranks carrying the same casting number?
A. According to the AERA Technical Committee, the answer, regarding crankshafts for the GM 2.2L VIN 4 engines built from 1996-’99, is yes.
There seems to be one casting number that is used, c/n 4618, but two different crankshaft designs. Rebuilders are advised not to mix these crankshafts up, because doing so will cause a drivability problem with the vehicle.
Both versions of this crankshaft casting number came with a timing notch in the crankshaft reluctor wheel. The difference in the crankshafts is that in 1998 the crankshaft was manufactured with the timing notch advanced by approximately 10° more than previous years.
To distinguish between the two crankshafts, place the crankshaft with its nose toward you and the keyway in the 12 o’clock position. Note the location of the notch at the top of the reluctor wheel compared to the casting line in the crankshaft shown in Figure 1.
If the right edge of the timing notch on the reluctor wheel is approximately .500˝ to the left side of the casting line on the crankshaft and located roughly at the 11 o’clock position, then you have the early retarded crankshaft shown on the right. If the right edge of the notch is directly next to the casting line and almost straight up at the 12 o’clock position, then you have the advanced, later crankshaft shown on the left and introduced in 1998.
Q. What can I do about complaints concerning Cummins 14.0L oil carryover?
A. The AERA Technical Committee offers a field fix for crankcase breather oil carryover for 1988-’90 Cummins 14.0L NT diesels. This information addresses continued customer complaints for Big Cam IV engine models.
The field fix requires installation of a new aluminum rocker housing cover, a spacer and an industrial breather element used with later engines.
To install the components listed above, use a wood block and arbor press to carefully press and precisely locate the breather into the breather housing. Follow the steps listed below for assembly.
1) Position the rocker housing cover flat on the arbor press table. Make sure the breather is aligned perpendicular to the housing cover bore.
2) Place the breather through the spacer ring.
3) Apply a coating of locking sealer (p/n RC609 or 3823718) to the inside perimeter of the rocker cover and the underside of the spacer ring.
4) Orient the breather outlet tube to the desired position as shown in Figure 2 relative to the rocker housing cover.
5) Place a block of wood on top of the breather and start the breather into the bore in the rocker housing cover. Use the arbor press to apply a downward force to press the breather until it bottoms out against the rocker housing cover.