OK, so it's my understanding that Cummins "recommends" a valve adjustment on my '03 at 100,000 miles. I'm at 82,000 and change and I swear at times I can hear the very faint song of a lifter tapping over the regular diesel clatter, but only at idle. Sounds just like a solid lifter in an old muscle car a few thousandths out of adjustment.

So has anyone followed Cummins' recommendation and had their valves adjusted at 100,000 and if so, what did it rack ya? I figure I could do it myself (I've done many gassers), but with such an expensive engine to repair, I'd just as soon pay somebody who knows what they are doing and if something gets screwed-up, it's on them.

 

i did mine at 25k, and again last week, 42k. everytime i pull the rockers off to do something, they get done
a few exhaust rockers were loose at the 25k mark.
it is not hard, you can easily do it, since you have prior experience.

 

Just bar the engine over and adjust the valves by the firing order.

Intake is at .10k, exhaust is at .20k, on your 03. It will take you all of 45 minutes and that includes sipping a beer.


good luck,

tim

 

STANDARD PROCEDURE - VALVE LASH ADJUSTMENT AND VERIFICATION
NOTE: To obtain accurate readings, valve lash measurements AND adjustments should only be performed when the engine coolant temperature is less than 60° C (140° F).

The 24–valve overhead system is a “low-maintenance” design. Routine adjustments are no longer necessary, however, measurement should still take place when trouble-shooting performance problems, or upon completion of a repair that includes removal and installation of the valve train components or injectors.

Disconnect battery negative cables.
Remove cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S) - REMOVAL).
Using the crankshaft barring tool #7471–B, rotate crankshaft to align damper TDC mark to 12:00 o'clock position.
If both number one cylinder rocker levers are loose, continue to next step.
If both number one clylinder rocker levers are not loose, rotate crankshaft 360 degrees.
With the engine in this position, valve lash can be measured at the following rocker arms: INTAKE 1–2–4 / EXHAUST 1–3–5. Measure the valve lash by inserting a feeler gauge between the rocker arm socket and crosshead. Refer to VALVE LASH LIMIT CHART for the correct specifications. If the measurement falls within the limits, adjustment/resetting is not necessary. If measurement finds the lash outside of the limits, adjustment/resetting is required. VALVE LASH LIMIT CHART INTAKE EXHAUST
0.152 mm ( 0.006 in.) MIN. 0.381 mm (0.015 in.) MIN.
0.381 mm (0.015 in.) MAX. 0.762 mm (0.030 in.) MAX.
NOTE: If measured valve lash falls within these specifications, no adjustment/reset is necessary. Engine operation within these ranges has no adverse affect on performance, emissions, fuel economy or level of engine noise.



If adjustment/resetting is required, loosen the lock nut on rocker arms and turn the adjusting screw until the desired lash is obtained:
INTAKE 0.254 mm (0.010 in.)
EXHAUST 0.508 mm (0.020 in.)
Tighten the lock nut to 24 Nm (18 ft. lbs.) and re-check the valve lash.
Using the crankshaft barring tool, rotate the crankshaft one revolution (360°) to align the damper TDC mark to the 12 o'clock position.
With the engine in this position, valve lash can be measured at the remaining rocker arms: INTAKE 3–5–6 / EXHAUST 2–4–6. Use the same method as above for determining whether adjustment is necessary, and adjust those that are found to be outside of the limits.
Install the cylinder head cover (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S) - INSTALLATION).
Connect the battery negative cables.

 

Excellant! Thanks all.

 

Here is a very detailed how-to with pics.
http://www.dodgeforum.com/m_910497/tm.htm

 

I adjust the hot cylinders (usually 5 & 6) towards the high side of the range ~ .025"

 

Planning to adjust mine at 50k miles. Which will be real soon.

MikeyB

 

Is there a benefit to doing that?

 

Valve train clearance reduces with more heat & higher RPM.

 

has anyone set their valves a little tighter, say 9& 19, instead of 10& 20? or is this a bad idea?

 

is the valve cover gasket easily reusable? or do u need a new one? is it 1 full piece or 3 pieces?

 

I did mine around 95,000 miles.

 

Did you let about a gal run out before you cough your sample?? You are to let about a gal run out then catch the oil.

 

The CR valve cover gasket is both 1-pc & reusable.