Diagnosing white smoke

[BigPapa]

Have you ever checked the actual timing via the dial indicator tool? Your data plate will give you the spec.

I THINK you're thinking about the 2nd Gen P-pump timing.

@Gunner_1 's truck is a 1st Gen VE pump truck. As I posted, I'm not that familiar with the VE pump, but I don't think it uses this method of setting the pump timing.

 

[BigPapa]

This is the Cummins procedure for setting the timing on the VE Pump.

• Verify cylinder Number 1 is at top dead center by barring the engine slowly while pushing in on the top dead center pin.
• Use your hands to tighten the three mounting nuts. The pump must be free to move in the slots.
• Install the fuel injection pump drive gear onto the fuel pump shaft.
• If equipped, align the timing key on the drive shaft to the slot in the fuel injection pump drive gear.
• Install the pump drive shaft nut and spring washer. The pump will rotate slightly because of gear helix and clearance. This is acceptable provided the pump is free to move on the flange slots and the crankshaft does not move. Torque Value: 15 to 20 n•m [ 11 to 15 ft-lb ]
• If installing the original pump, rotate the pump to align the scribe marks. Torque Value: 24 n•m [ 18 ft-lb ]

If installing a new or rebuilt pump without scribe marks

• If installing a new or rebuilt pump without scribe marks, take up gear lash by rotating the pump against the direction of drive rotation. Tighten the flange mounting nuts. Torque Value: 24 n•m [ 18 ft-lb ] Permanently mark the injection pump flange to match the mark on the gear housing.
• Bosch® VE: Loosen the Bosch® fuel pump lock timing screw and install the special washer that is wired to the fuel pump. Tighten the Bosch® fuel pump lock timing screw. Torque Value: 13 n•m [ 115 in-lb ]

• Disengage the timing pin before rotating the crankshaft.
• Tighten the pump gear retaining nut.
• Torque Value: Bosch® VE (M14-1.5 nut) 1. 98 n•m [ 72 ft-lb ]
• Torque Value: Bosch® VE (M12 nut) 1. 65 n•m [ 48 ft-lb ]

 

[NIsaacs]

I THINK you're thinking about the 2nd Gen P-pump timing.

@Gunner_1 's truck is a 1st Gen VE pump truck. As I posted, I'm not that familiar with the VE pump, but I don't think it uses this method of setting the pump timing.

Actually the VE does have a timing value, measured by a special dial indicator. I have one and use it on a new pump install to verify the numbers. The engine data plate will have the spec.

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[NIsaacs]

Here is a video of the procedure.

 

[NIsaacs]

I bought my indicator from Cummins. Picture of the Ford/Cummins, 1.15 mm. Hard to read the D-250 but I think it is 1.25 mm, maybe 1.35 mm.

 

[BigPapa]

Good info, @NIsaacs

 

[Topzide]

I'd say 1.35mm.

 

[RWherley]

I see I'm a bit late to the party on this one. The issue sounds like a burn issue, if your timing is correct it could be a injector spray pattern issue, or a injection pressure issue.I see you put a new lift pump on the engine but can you verify the injection pump inlet pressure? If your inlet pressure is good try pulling the plunger out of the shut down solenoid and see if that changes any thing. Just be aware that once you remove that plunger turning the key off won't shut the engine off, you'll have to pull the manual shut off lever on the side of the pump body. I also saw where you checked the exhaust temp at each cylinder, that's only going to tell you if the cylinder is completely dead or very near it. To get a real idea of cylinder compression you need to get a actual compression gauge that goes in the injector hole. While not the best you can get one from harbor freight that will do the job. Off the top of my head I can't remember the numbers but I'm almost willing to bet you'll find one that's substantially lower then the rest.

 

[RWherley]

Also the spray pattern is extremely important, I don't currently have Cummins Quick serve but if you take the CPL number from your idea tag to someone who has it they can tell you what injector angle you need. The issue is most companies selling 12 valve injectors just sell them for 2nd Gen P-pumps. But VE pumps especially early ones need a different spray pattern. Hence why you need the CPL number.

 

[BigPapa]

Also the spray pattern is extremely important,

I posted the spray angles.

 

[RWherley]

Yes, you are correct assuming it has standard intercooled pistons in it, but some early VE engines have odd sized piston bowls and the only way to find out what piston he has with out pulling the head is with the CPL number, it's a relatively easy thing just to double check.