Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 16 degree timing

[856.9]

Does advancing your timing to 16 degrees, cause any loss in low end power?



Just curious, I know it does in my international engine.

 

[JohnE]

Another thread in this forum discussing timing.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=68120



I do know that advancing timing to around 20° made it doggier on the low end. Sure improved the peformance after you hit about 2k rpm and all the way to 3,500 rpm. My mileage is also down, too. I thought it was due to my right foot having way too much fun with a big fuel plate and governor springs, but extended highway driving has proven the same.



I'm going to back it down to 16-17° in a month or so.

 

[TDickerson]

Higher fuel consumption

Wow, recently I had to have my lift pump replaced at around 99000 miles, now have 100200 miles. They said that the timing had to be adjusted. Boy does this thing drive good now. Better than I ever remember it driving. The only thing is they upped the idle to 850 in drive and 1000 in park. Not sure I like this high an idle. But I did notice that it seems to be using much more fuel now than before. Could they have advanced the timing a lot? I am not very mechanical inclined. I love the way it drives now though. It just seems to scream down the road. No smoke or anything like before. I guess I don't mind the higher fuel usage since they got it running so good. Oh well.

 

[Deezul1]

Mine is at 15. 6 and low end power is off some under 1100 rpm.

 

[dpuckett]

Tdickerson,



WHen did you last cahnge your fuel filter? Could be coincidence, but I would try that, and then spend the $180 to get some guages, so you can keep an eye on stuff like that. I HATE driving without guages (like my mom's), cant use EGT/ boost to maximize economy like you can With guages. Normally, a timing advance will increase your MPGs, but it can be taken too far. I did that on my 93 (I know, apples to oranges), and dropped a little fuel economy, but moved it back, and went back to 20 mpg around home. Seems the 12 valves like 15-16 degrees advance. Personally, I wouldnt trust a dealer to change the oil correctly, but I have also been burned by a few shops in my short time. Next time press them for hard numbers. If they cant give them to you, find someone else to do the work who can.

 

[TDickerson]

I had the fuel filter replaced the same time I had the lift pump changed. I am going to have to retract the higher fuel usage as I believe that when I fueled up, the pump had high pressure and I didn't fill the tank up as usual. The fuel gage started to move quicker than usual. When I filled up today I calculated using around 17 mpg but I feel that I am getting at least 18+ around town and that's not bad. I would like to start adding some things as gages but I don't know anyone who can do this for me around the San Antonio area that I would trust. If anyone knows somebody let me know. Especially the dowel pin issue. I can't do that myself and wouldn't trust myself doing that. Heck knows what damage I would do. Better and cheaper for me to leave it alone. But anyway, I sure am loving the new drive on this Dodge after the lift pump and timing. I believe this should have been done a long time ago. But my son had it for 2 years as I was overseas and he just didn't understand and worse yet, I believe he tried to rely on Regency Dodge in Jacksonville, Fl that didn't seem to have a clue what to to with a diesel truck. They were useless with other issues too. I'm glad I'm back in Texas where I can at least get some decent dealer service anyway. By the way the Dealer that fixed me up is Brown Dodge in Devine, TX. Good job guys.