I am going in to a diesel mechanic who is going to check my valve adjustments for about $75 . I guess I ought to go ahead and get my timing checked and bumped up. For a 96 with Auto, you reckon 15-1/2 or 16 degrees would be best ? I wonder based on $75 for valves what he might charge to do timing ? how much time for a good mech to do valves vs timing.

 

Timing

should cost anywhere from 100-200 bucks at the most, and im thinkin even that is alot. It will take a good mechanic 1 hour or so at best to time a truck. A valve adjustment is not a hard job to do. ive done mine myself once already taking my dear sweet time it took me 2 hours for all six cylinders.. 15.5-16 degrees is the perferred number for many moderatly modified trucks, such as mine (350 or so horses as we speak) I just have yet to get mine timed. It will be on the 23 tho.... at just that 16 degrees But as soon as i time it, Injectors and Valves are going right in...

Rick

 

I agree with tex. Go 16 and don't look back.

 

Anything else I should do as a "tune-up" besides KDP on one with 135,000 miles before it start BOMBING ? I am getting ready to switch my axels and transfer case to sythetic lube. Anything else?

 

You should replace the fuel filter if you haven't already. Have your mechanic check the fuel pressure. The overflow valve in the injection pump wears out and you lose performance and fuel mileage. It's a 1 minute job to change the valve. You can get a good deal on the valve from:

Precision Diesel Injection and Turbo Inc.
Marty Tompkins
888-734-7349
$35 + $7 shipping and handling.

I don't know if this price is still good. You'll probably pay about double anywhere else.