I don't know what I said here to start with; but, I like to do my own work because I try to do a better job or do 'extra' on everything I do. I really hate it when you have to redo something (Whether it was someone else that did it or myself). I also hate it when there is 'collateral' damage. There is no reason to do something (ANYTHING) and cause more or other problems. This is why I'm done with the warranty on my Cummins. I figure from now on I will just do 'it' myself. . . . .

But: enough with the thread de-railing!! We came here to solve a problem so let's get back to it!!

We got it apart and found where the plug goes. Here is a pic of the plug:



It goes in the front (timing) cover on the drivers side. Here is a shot of the back of the cover and the red arrow points to where the plug threads in:



This will fix this engine. But, the only problem is that this plug doesn't appear in any manuals I can find. In fact, most of the manuals I found show the inside of this engine different than how it is. The lack of documentation that I can find so far is a bit disturbing. I even talked to some people that work on these and they didn't know what this plug is or what it is for. It is no big deal, but I just have a curious mind and I want to know the 'why' and 'how' of things.

So, if you have any ideas or can point to a manual that would be great!
Oh, and as far as replacing the LPOP, I would seriously look at the front cover first. It is the back side of the pump and is the only aluminum in the pump. That will be the first part of the pump to wear.

Alright, you all keep the sunny side up. Hopefully in a little bit, we can hear this one run again!! Wish us the best . . . .

 

I'll have to look at one of the front covers I have when I get home... I dont recall that being there...

 

He did it! Had it running around 11PM and is out right now on a test drive. How about that! Way to go RocketMan!! I knew you could! May it run another 300,k for you without further problems. . . .
Dan (aka Dad!)

---AutoMerged DoublePost---

I would appreciate it. It seems strange it isn't in 'the books' and other guys I've talked to who work on these don't know what it is or that it is there . . . . (I guess we mentioned that most repair manuals show a LPOP in the oil pan similar to what a gas engine would use). Just seems kind of strange. I also can't figure what this 'device' is supposed to be for. Any oil pressure from the LPOP would seat the ball, sealing it in and can't allow pressure to relieve. It is simply just a ball and it's retainer in there. Who knows . . . We both think someone has been in there (Front cover and oil pan) before. I have to wonder if 'they' didn't leave that plug loose. But then I can't really figure why they would have been in there either (Well, not exactly or for sure why).

But thanks for all you guys help! It was sure nice to hear it fire again. He is pretty excited to have his diesel back. He likes his gas p.u. but I think he likes his diesel p.u. a lot more!! Maybe the rest of us can relate to that sentiment.

 

i have the same issue with my 96 f350 with thae plug coming out of the back of the front cover i fished it out of the oil pan and was just wondering if their is supposed the be a spring in there with the checkball

 

I'm sure there isn't. In the pic above you can see the ball and the retainer. Both on this one seem to be in great shape and we re-installed it and it is working just fine. In fact, we didn't refill the HPOP reservoir and just cranked on the engine in hopes that it would prime and lube the oil system before the engine tried to run. It had oil pressure on the gauge very quickly when we started cranking it. We only cranked about 15 or 20 seconds each time to not heat up the starter. The engine started on about the 3rd time of cranking on it.
We never could find out what this plug is called or what it does. . . . If yours looks good (The ball has no marks or scores in it) then I would throw it back in there! Hopefully yours will work great also. I think it will if it isn't damaged any. Apparently all it does is seal in the oil when there is pressure from the LPOP. The ball seals and keeps oil from escaping out the 1/8" hole in the top of the plug.

Let us know how you make out. My son was over in Jamaca and his wasn't started for weeks. He started it today and said it started fine!

 

from what the ford and international dealerships called it it is an air reducer valve and they are now obsolete but u can still order it through an international dealer you can also go to ford and they have a printout of it with the international part number

 

Ouch!! There really is a difference from one to the next . . . . They led us to believe that there wasn't any info on this and that they had no clue what it was . . . I even talked to a tech that we know there and he led me to believe that there isn't any documentation on these engines or vehicles. He said everything they use now is online and a product of All Data. So far from what I have seen, it reminds me too much of a Chilton's.
Thanks for the info! It makes sense too. Any air would just escape past the ball and then when the oil comes it would seat the ball and allow oil pressure to build.
I am still at a loss of why this plug could come out. The plug is steel and the cover is aluminum. Every time I put a steel bolt in aluminum it seems to tighten up over time and can be very hard to remove. I suspect someone had been in this engine so you never know what they forgot to tighten or what not..... At least it us running like a top again! I will have to admit, I am pretty impressed with it so far. But then if you look at my sig you can tell I do like IH's products!