Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Clatters like a 24 valve!

[TXDSLSHOP]

I just bought a 12 valve 3500 truck and eveything seems good with the exception of the clatter! I have owned two trucks since my last 2nd Gen. 12 valve and have forgotten what a stock timed 12 valve sounds like. It seems to clatter quite a bit until you get the rpm's above 1200. Does this seem normal for stock timing. I will be bumping the timing up in a few weeks but, I was just wanting to get someone to refresh my memory. I haven't driven a stock cummins in a while! By the way what is the general consensus on the best timing, 15. 5, 16 maybe? I tow pretty heavy and will be bombing this one soon! Thanks!

 

[C. Harlan]

Let me know when you get the tools for timing. I need to do mine as well! I am a few hours from ya, but would be glad to drive out there and bump some timing around!



-Chris-

 

[radixr]

That's not Santa on the roof!

Maybe you should check your valve clearances.

 

[jpearson]

When I bumped my timing up to 16 deg. it quietened my motor down, I was under the impression that when you bumped the timing it made them louder but not so with mine.

 

[TXDSLSHOP]

Timing?

I ran the rack a few days ago and no change. Anyone in the Houston area able to set my timing?

 

[TXDSLSHOP]

Fixed!!!!!!!!!!!

Well I drove to Willis today and Strick-9 set my timing! I don't remember the exact number but this thing was around 22 degrees BTDC! It is now at 16 and is quiet and runs much better! Between that and my fixing the bad overflow valve this thing runs good! Guess it's time to bomb! Thanks again to Strick-9 and Nascar Mark for the help! Excellent work guys!