Diesel Engine Problems of Dodge Ram 2500 - part 2

1997 Dodge 2500 4x4 pickup with cummins turbo diesel. Purchased new Nov 1996. Owned 6 years with 92k miles on truck at time of incident. While driving on the highway, the upper timing case housing alignment dowel pin fell into the rotating timing gears. The pin jammed between the upper gear and the case causing a 1" by 3" hole in the case. Oil splashed out of this hole (approx two quarts) until I completed my return from work. I noticed a big puddle of oil under the truck later that night and upon inspection found the hole in the timing case. After further investigation, this turns out to be a well known issue with these motors (model year 1997 until mid 1998 when the design was changed). In fact, the incidence of this failure is so widespread that owners of these model trucks have developed a kit to locate and drill a "blocker bolt" to keep the dowel pin from falling out! damiler/Chrysler claims no knowledge of this issue (I opened ticket #10864363 with their customer service center). Cummins is aware of the problem but says it's statistically insignificant and has not initiated any recall.

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Consumer states that the crankcase oil fumes enter the cab at idle or slow speed when the air conditioner is set on outside air settings, when the air conditioner is set on recirculated or cab air only, this condition does not happen.

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While driving, vehicle began acting funny, consumer noticed smoke and vehicle caught on fire, claim 37-3264-228.

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Vehicle caught on fire in the engine compartment, consumer had it towed to dealer, claim 37-3254-339.

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While driving, consumer noticed smoke coming from the engine, claim 55-s396-819.

Vehicle experienced fire in the engine compartment, the entire cab was burned, claim 36-a186-713.

Vehicle caught fire while parked, vehicle was a total loss and the fire appeared to have started in the engine area, claim 59-v606-925.

Consumer states that the problem with this vehicle is that when traveling at a 17 degree decline the engine started to leak oil out of the breather tube because of the tilt. Dealer has been contacted.

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If the vehicle sits for an extended period of time it does not start. It may start up for just a second then cuts off. Contacted dealer. When the vehicle is parked on a steep hill and consumer goes to start it, it takes 5-8 seconds for a vacuum to build up to hold vehicle. Emergency brakes have to be on or the vehicle will roll backwards. This is a characteristic of a diesel engine.

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Consumer notice engine leaking oil from under engine. Dealer has been contacted technician notice vacuum pump need to be replace. Please provide further information. Ts.