i had my timing done a few months ago by cds, but that was after i screwed it up so bad it wouldn't start. i bought the snap-on kit a while ago, my first problem is that the indicator would not go all the way down to the plunger because it wasn't long enough anyone else have this problem. second problem is i couldn't figure out the timing pin how does it work do you have to pull it completely out or what and do you push it in at anytime during the timing procedure. i got my instructions off of dodgeram.org but couldn't seem to follow them clearly. i want to learn how to do this since i already have the kit. the indicator was the biggest problem

 

if you are talking about the engine timing pin you have to push on that while barring the engine with a barring tool or rotating the engine and when the pin pushes into the timing slot that tells you that the engine is at TDC cylinder #1. as far as the indicator i dont know what to tell you there unless you dont have the adapter for it or the adapter you have if you have one is wrong.

Chris

 

If your pin is too short perhaps the guys who muffed up your timing broke it off by barring the engine with the pin engaged.
Normally you push on the pin while rotating the engine till it engages, no need to pull it out. It's tricky pushing it in, you have to be very close and the engagement hole moves fast while turning the engine. Using a socket on the alternator pulley nut rotates the engine slower than using a barring tool.

Many pros don't trust the pin, they are known to be as much as 2° off. Close enough to adjust valves but not good enough for timing. Best bet is to get as close to TDC as possible while watching the #1 cylinder valves. You can then tighten down both the intake and exhaust valves and keep tightening as you rotate the engine back and forth. When the valves are tightened down enough that you can no longer rotate the engine either way you are at perfect TDC.
If your pin is broken off pull it out and use a small drift to get the engine close to TDC. Using a drift smaller than the pin will allow you to get close easier than just the pin but the TDC may be off.

There is also another timing pin that is mainly used when removing and installing the pump to lock it at TDC. It is under the bolt head cap you see in the below diagram about half way up the line pointing to the fitting bolt. The cap is removed and the pin pulled out and turned around and reinserted.


I know this can be a hassle but at least it only has to be done once, after your dampener is marked you're set and don't have to find TDC again.

 

is there an adapter for the indicator i ordered the snap on kit and figured it came with everything i needed. the pin is not broke and i'm the one who messed it up the first time

 

It should have come with an adaptor that screws down in place of delivery valve holder to hold the dial indicator.

 

yaeh it had that, the indicator wasn't long enough to hit the plunger in the pump

 

The kit I got from snap on came with a dial indicator and a screw on extension.
Does yours have the extension?

 

it didn't come with an extension just a delivery valve socket,indicator and indicator holder that fit in the injector pump