Oil drip on Driver's side (problem?)

[jaredwins]

Hey everyone,

 

I bought my first diesel about a year ago and have been learning a ton through you all here. Thanks so much for this forum!

 

From my research, it seems common for the 5.9's to 'mark their territory' with a little drop of oil. After driving the truck and then parking it, it seems to leave 3-5 drops of oil. I shared a picture underneath the truck where the drops seem to be coming from, but honestly couldn't figure out what this part is. I read the FSM and think maybe it's my VP44?

 

Any advice on if a few drops of oil is normal, should I fix this asap, or not worry about it?

 

thanks!

Jared

 

[LorenS]

Only 3-5?  I'm envious!

[Royal Squire]

Vacuum pump. I’m envious too. 

[JAG1]

Welcome to the forum. The best way to tell is use degreaser and pressure wash down the engine when it's cooled off. Just run short blasts over the electrical connections.... don't try to fill them up with water IOW. I let mine sit for a few hours in hot sun to let everything dry before driving.

Edited July 28, 2021 by JAG1

[Silverwolf2691]

I agree with @JAG1, But if I had to hazard a guess, @Royal Squire is right. It looks like the seal for the power steering pump to vacuum pump is bad. I think the only way to change that is a vacuum pump rebuild. Its been a while since I did mine. I used the Gould Gear version because it had all the tools and some extra seals in case you nicked an O-ring or seal, plus an instructional DVD. 

[jaredwins]

2 hours ago, Royal Squire said:

Vacuum pump. I’m envious too. 

Thanks guys. So sounds like it's not a big deal, just make sure my oil levels are normal?

 

To fix that vacuum pump I'd probably need to reseal it with part # CUM4089742?

Oh, I just found you can get reman from Gould for $299. Any thoughts on the difficulty to rebuild the seals vs installing a reman?

 

Edited July 28, 2021 by jaredwins
added details

[Silverwolf2691]

For me, hardest part was getting the vacuum pump off*. The rebuild was relatively simple. Only other sticking point was once together my pump wouldn't move by hand. Essentially you have to pull on the gear when assembling it or the tolerances lock up the impeller. The DVD goes over doing that as well. if your computer doesn't have a DVD drive the same video is on YouTube. Hell, if you want to see what it entails to rebuild the vacuum pump before committing to a rebuild or reman, watch the video..  

 

*I took the power steering pump off while it was still on the truck. 4 bolts hold the PS pump to the Vacuum pump. They aren't the most accessible bolts to get to. And don't forget to tighten the oil line on the bottom of the vacuum pump. Makes a mess when you restart the truck.     

Edited July 28, 2021 by Silverwolf2691

[Dieselfuture]

https://youtu.be/vJhR48a-9R8

 

 

Might as well get a reseal kit for power steering pump too, that big oring likes to leak at this age.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/dodge,2001,ram+2500+pickup,5.9l+l6+diesel+turbocharged,1366602,steering,power+steering+pump+seal+kit,7407

[dripley]

Did mine a few tears back and installing the seals was the easy part. I also unbolted the ps pump and left it hanging. Then pulled the vacuum pump. I dont think there is bolt down there thats easy to get to. Still not a terrible to do.

[Mopar1973Man]

I've got vacuum pump kits on the store. Easy to do and maybe an hour of work. Even got a article on how to do it.