Should I proactively have the valve lash verified / adjusted or just keep driving. About 200K miles so far and no mechaincal issues with the engine - just the same old nuisance problems everyone else seems to have - all referenced here (fuel shut-off, TPS, dim headlights during warm-up, flakey fuel gauge, leaky fuel lines, spontaneous overdrive off).
I was told by a Cummins mechanic to just drive it, your more likely to induce a problem then fix one. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.....
Are there any other maintenance activities I should schedule - other than the basic, oil, tranny, coolant, filters, etc.

 

I just heard (second hand) of a Cummins mechanic saying the same thing. It's hearsay at best, so take it for what its worth. My opinion, is that if the official word from Cummins says to adjust every 24k - then you should at least look at them.

http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/val.../12_valve.html

 

I've found that after 50k that the valve adjustment on most rigs doesn't change enough to warrant checking. I recommend every 24k for the first two checks then every 100k thereafter. If you don't know the trucks history check the valves, you most likely won't have to do it again.

 

What if you have 136k and never had that done?

 

You have a 24V - no need until 150K....

 

What does that cost to do that?

 

The #1 thing to do is tab or jig your KDP.Didnt see that mentioned."If it aint broke ,dont fix it" doesnt apply to that little sucker.

 

I just did a valve set on my 12V after I bought it with 87,000 miles on it.. Wow were they ever out.. The specs are 0.010 intake and 0.020 Exhaust.. 2 cylinders had intakes with 0.016 and 3 exhaust were at or over 0.027. AFter I adjusted them (takes about an hour) it sure made a smooooth running Cummins..

Anyone who says never adjust them isn't really a reliable resource IMHO. Creating a problem by removing the valve covers?? I hope they don't do overhauls...LOL...

J-eh

 

Kinda funny that youd hear that from a "so-called" Cummins mechanic.....

 

I've checked with a couple shops. Seems the going rate is about $100.00.

Loren

 

Thanks, that's good to know.