Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Cummins said they can't adj. timing on a 97

[VicR]

Since the 97 turned over 100k, I figured I would get it in to have the valves adjusted and the timing set. Cummins said they would do the valves ($300!), but that the timing wasn't adjustable on the 97's. The service writer said it without hesitating. Did I ask the wrong question?



Carson Dodge said they'd do the valves and timing - said they do them all the time. Its going in tomorrow.



Are we talking the same thing?



-Vic

 

[I-6DZL]

injection pump timing, i don't see why they wouldn't do it. Are you asking them to bump the timing to around 15 to 16 ? or just factory stock ?



Find a TDR member in your area that will do it, you'll be giving to better TDR members and yourself.



Curtis

 

[BTighe]

just talked to cummins out here about the same thing. he probably though you were wanting to advance it. if thats the case they will not do it. its out of spec and illegal for them to do so. i checked about 5 shops here in oregon and none will touch it out of spec.

 

[AMink]

Ditto here. Went to a shop in Reno that installs BD products. Said he would only do spec and he had to remove the pump from the engine for a total pump tune... to the tune of about $400! He said if he advanced the timing and I didn't like the results, he'd have to take it back off and reset it. Probably will take it to Imlers or when I go on vacation in July, visit the boys north of the border .

 

[VicR]

Ok that makes sense. I probably said 'adjust' the timing - implying something different from stock - when I meant to say 'set' the timing.



I'll probably just keep it around stock timing. The engine is bone stock and I don't have any power mods in the future.



Carson Dodge quoted me quite a bit less then $400 to set the timing and didn't mention anything about pump removal. I guess I'll find out tomorrow when I drop it off.



Thanks for clearing up the mystery though. I was getting a little concerned.



-Vic

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I think Cummins will go up to 14. 5 degrees. Vic if you mess with it you might consider going around 14. 5, that should make it run nice and help mileage.



$300 is ridiculous for a valve adjustment! Only takes 60-90 minutes with basic tools.



Vaughn

 

[AMink]

Vaughn- when you say basic tools, how basic? I've seen timing sets sold from Mac or Snapon type places. Can you time without those? I'd like to try it if I don't have to buy specialized tools for a (hopefully) one time job. Thanks

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

I got my valves adjusted and timing checked for $100 at A2Z Diesel in AZ. $300 is way too high.

 

[KennyM]

I had my timing slip, cummins was the only local shop(few miles from work). They said sure we will set your timing to where ever you want at $85. 00 an hour. When I got there the shop manager listened to all I had done to the truck and listened to where I wanted my timing set. Then they put it back to 17* at my request. I also had them do my valves and check my fuel presure. They only charged me $285 for everything. The price was a little high, but I'm very happy with the results.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Vaughn- when you say basic tools, how basic? I've seen timing sets sold from Mac or Snapon type places. Can you time without those? I'd like to try it if I don't have to buy specialized tools for a (hopefully) one time job. Thanks

AMink I was talking about valve adjustment, not timing. Valve adjustment just takes a basic socket, end wrench and feeler gauge set, plus metric allen wrenches.



Timing takes a kit, I got the Snap-on for $205.



Vaughn