OK, a couple of questions. I have read articles talking about adjusting/advancing the timing on these engine. First, are we just adjusting the timing on the injection pump, or do we adjust the timing of the actual engine as well?

Secondly, in regards to adjusting the timing on the injection pump, if I am planning on adding a cam plate and spring kit, should I wait to have the pump timed after installing the cam and spring kit, or can I have it done now, and then install cam and springs?

 

you mean fuel plate...right?Youu can have it timed now.....since you don t tow persay......probably 17.5-18.5......

 

The pump is "timed" to the engine via a tapered gear. Find TDC & set the pump to a known lift which corresponds to a degree in timing. Then pop the gear off of the pump without changing the lift you've set and return the motor to TDC. Put the gear back on the pump and your (hopefully) advanced to what you want. Personally, I'd go to 15.5 to maybe 16.5 From what I unserstand, higher amount stress the head gasket. Piers has a chart that will give you the lift to timing relationship. www.piersdiesel.com Also, too much advanced timing hurts bottom end. Do each upgrade one at a time so that if something isn't the way you like, then you only have to change one thing...

 

I thought a CAM plate and a FUEL plate were the same thing, am I mistaken?

There has also been talk about having the pump "bench tested", is this different than adjusting the timing? If I took it to a Bosch service center, what would I be asking for them to do?

Since I wouldn't attempt adjusting the timing myself, would I take it to a Cummins shop or a Bosch shop?

 

The plates are the same. Bench testing is different than setting the timing. It requires pulling the pump and making each port "inject" a set amount of fuel at a certain time - like calibrating the pump. You then set the engine or pump timing when you remount the pump. I'd look for a decent diesel performance shop or any other members in your area to set the timing and change both the plate & springs. It's not too hard. Some Cummins shops will only set it to specs because timing is an EPA emmissions setting. I found a local Dodge dealer in my area that would set it to whatever you wanted - but each is different. Figure about $200 (maybe $250) to have the timing set at a shop.

 

Call James JR. at JS deisel on industrial. I haven t used him, but I have bought parts from them several times, always very fairly priced. I was told jr. may consider doing it on the side if asked correctly. I don t know for sure though, but I d take it there before anywhere else.