I noticed Detroit Diesel has a new overhead procedure for N3 injectors. My current 12.7 (500 E) year 2000 has of course N2 injectors but was wondering if one could possibly use the same procedure. Engines like the old cummins 350 and 400s had two methods to set the injectors but I found the bottoming method on the maximum downstroke of the rocker, tightening the injector down till it bottomed, then backing it off to spec produced the most hp and the engine ran best and smoothest. I once had a Detroit mechanic that must have knew his stuff tighten my 81mm injector height a little and the truck just purred with great throttle response and pulling power...I have never had an overhead respond in the same way since. Just wondering if anyone has done the the N3 method on N2 injectors. In my mind it shouldn't hurt anything but I want to be sure.

 

That's a head-scratcher about the new N3 injector procedure for your 2000 engine with N2 injectors. I hear you wondering if the N3 method might work, but I wouldn't mess around there. Messing with injector height can be risky business for the engine if you don't use the right specs.

Sticking with the recommended procedure for N2 injectors is definitely the safest bet. My advice is to check the Detroit Diesel service manual for your exact engine year. It should have the proper injector height setting and procedure for N2 injectors.

If you're still unsure or the manual doesn't cover it, contacting Detroit Diesel or a certified mechanic would be the best course of action. They can give you the exact info you need to avoid any problems.

And that story about the old mechanic tightening your 81mm injector height? Interesting! Sounds like they knew their stuff, but for the sake of your engine's health, following the recommended procedure for N2 injectors is still the way to go.