I got smoked by a 24 valve this past weekend so I figured it was time to address my timing issues. Seems like the least expensive place to start.

Ever since I got my stock IP reinstalled (https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...s-t261591.html) my truck has been kind of a dog for what I have done to it. It seems like the IP was installed a tooth retarded. We all know how easy first gens start. You just touch the key and the thing starts which I think is pretty cool. When mine is the least bit cold it is a pain to start. Even when it is 60* out it struggles to start when cold. Once the truck is warm though it starts normally. It also seems to run out of juice past 80 mph too. When I was running DDP4's, an HE351, and 1/4" of advance the truck was a rocket to 115 mph.

So I am looking for opinions on where I should have my timing reset to once I get around to it. I am running the M&H spacer and my sig is up to date. I am not sure if I should advance the pump a tooth AND run the spacer. I was thinking about just advancing it to the head when not towing, and when towing, retard it PAST the stock position when towing. I do not really tow much though, but it's getting to the point where I only drive the truck if I am towing or hauling, due to the high cost of fuel right now. I am looking at getting a bigger 5th wheel in the future though, something 8,000-10,000 pounds unloaded. I do not feel safe towing heavy like some of you guys do, so my self imposed limit is 10,000 lbs.

 

With mine advanced a tooth it is also harder to start in the cold but once it warms up its fine. I advanced mine a tooth and lined up the stock marks and it would start to sputter at about 2500 rpm bit I didn't try goin past it. So I rotated the pump down below factory marks and it would sputter at 1200 rpm but only when in park. Once driving with a load it ran great.

I'd say right now try advancing your pump to the head with the spacer and see how ya like it. If ya think ya need more then advance it a tooth and rotate the pump down retarding it then go from there adjusting it to where you want it. I got pretty lucky with my pump gear tooth advance when I had the cover off to do kdp. Pulled pump gear off and my pump shaft moved just enough on its own (since the shaft clicks) to line the gear right back up a tooth advanced.