If you put your timing at 20 you will need a good gasket and at least an O-ring in the head.....20 will pop a stock gasket and it's LOUD with a real cracky throttle.

Jim

 

[quote author=Jim Fulmer link=board=16;threadid=18771;start=15#msg179519 date=1062506590]
and it's LOUD with a real cracky throttle.

Jim
[/quote]

Hey Jim - you gotta admit, that is the best part

 

I called a local diesel shop today to set up an appiontment for my timing to get changed. He would not do it. He stated two reasons:
1) He upped the timing for another customer awhile ago (at the customer's request) and now the customer is trying to sue him for a cracked piston. The shop owner said "even after about a year, the guy came back wanting him to take responsibility for the cracked piston".
2) The shop owner went on to say "I can get a hefty fine for doing this, it's considered tampering with the emissions system".

Darn shame, the shop owner has a good reputation, and was really nice about the whole thing, he just refused to do it.
Guess I'm gonna have to buy the tools and do it myself.

Is there really a big concern with cracked pistons from changing the timing? Kevin

 

Is there really a big concern with cracked pistons from changing the timing?

Sorry but that just doesn't make since to me, sounds like it was one of those things that was meant to happen.

Jim

 

Yes, I agree, the guy could have had a cracked piston for number of other reasons. It's a shame that this shop is now "gun shy" from doing this sort of things.

Looks like I need to find out how to do the timing check/change myself. From what I have just read in another website, there is a way to use a dial or digital caliper to check timing. Need to do a little digging to find out how.
Kevin

 

[quote author=kd460 link=board=16;threadid=18771;start=15#msg184437 date=1063514138]
Yes, I agree, the guy could have had a cracked piston for number of other reasons. It's a shame that this shop is now "gun shy" from doing this sort of things.

Looks like I need to find out how to do the timing check/change myself. From what I have just read in another website, there is a way to use a dial or digital caliper to check timing. Need to do a little digging to find out how.
Kevin
[/quote]

Dial indicator yes
caliper no

And it's a little more involved than just sticking it on there and reading a dial.

: Eddie : 8)

 

finding tdc is way harder than setting the timing, that part is fast and easy. i just wish cummins would have put a timing tab on them from the factory, i could do the timing in under 30 minutes. i just broke down and bought the tools from snap on and have done mine and a friends. mike

 

finding tdc is way harder than setting the timing, that part is fast and easy. i just wish cummins would have put a timing tab on them from the factory, i could do the timing in under 30 minutes.

I'll second that.

Jim

 

stupid question, how to fing tdc???

I ran the valves on one and had a hard time because i couldn't find it...TOO Many marks on the balancer...

 

Eddie, thanks for the correction. Since it is a "little more involved" care to enlighten me? I have read the timing "how to" on fritz's website, and the haynes manual. I have the concept down about finding tdc. It sounds simple enough, I realize you have to be careful and precise (that means really take your time and double check everything).

Is it absolutely necessary to have the adapter for the dial indicator? If not, then what is the trick? I find lots of info on doing the timing with the adapter, just trying to find out if it can be done without the adapter or by using a "improvised" adapter. Any input? Thanks, Kevin

 

The most involved and the hardest part is finding TDC.
After that it's not to bad.


You can use a magnetic base and atatchments [ if you have a set ] to hold the dial indicator, but the adapter is the way to go.
It's alot easier and just screws right in.


Good Luck !

: Eddie : 8)

 

Or do it manually without any dial indicator base or anything, just depends on how percise you want to be, I have posts in the 12V form on this.

Jim

 

Having my timing set to 19 was on eof my best mods yet I went from 15mpg to 20 mpg.

 

How much timing can you run with a stock head gasket?

 

I thought this was the 12V forum...I will go and check..