2001 Valve Adjustment

[hammersley]

I just returned from buying some filters at Cummins Northwest here in Portland,and was curious as to what they recommended for the valve adjustment. While our manual talks about a 150,000 mile adjustment (I think it's that) they recommend an initial adjustment at 50-60,000 and then 100,000 there after. The cost is about $120. What are your thoughts about the mileage recommendation and the cost?

 

[Pete Peterson]

The cost is about right, might even be a little higher at Dodge. the 150,000 miles is also right. Some people are doing the first adjustment around 25,000 the every 150 thousand after that... ... ... Pete

 

[MikeR]

Don't even bother adjusting them til you hit 100k. Out of boredom at work I took of my valvecover to check them and they have a loooonnnnggg way to go before they're out of adjustment.



-Mike

 

[Motorhead]

I guess I have to raise my prices to do valve adjusts. If you have any mechanical ability, It is very easy! I find TDC for #1 adjust the valves that are ready and before I turn the engine, I mark the balancer with a small paint line. turn the engine thru and adjust the rest. The paint line helps you the next time you do them. This works especially good on a 12 valve. It usually takes no more than an hour to adj. the valves. Chris

 

[hammersley]

Thanks for the good poop fella's. Another question? I had heard that cummins engines have a tendency for the valves to go tight over time rather than loosen up. Is that true or possible?

 

[Ken B]

I checked the prices for valve adjustments in the Seattle area -Dodge dealership vs Cummins NW, and Cummins NW (Renton, WA) was more reasonable. In addition, I trust them a lot more than my local DC repair shop. I too was looking at having the adjustment done prior to the recomended 150k, but Cummins NW told me to not even worry about it until I hit 100k at the earliest.



Hope this help, -Ken