EDM injectors- Part I

[dpuckett]

Prescript- I would have posted this in the Products and Accessories forum, but since this is basically Firts Gen- specific, I'm posting them here.

Ok, some of you have just been DYING to hear my thoughts of the Mach1 EDM injectors for the First Genfrom Formula1 Diesel. First impression was less than just wonderful- still smoked like a chimney when I got on it, and ran hotter than the ones I had just removed. I emailed Rip Rook, through whom I had purchased them, and told him my dilemma- I was disappointed in the lack of smoke/ EGT reduction. He got on the horn to Don, who offered to build me a set that ran a little cooler, and exchange the ones I have in there now. I went for it, and I hope the new ones get here this week.



Then I got to thinking (lot of rain lately, I can do that here in the swamp for now ). it has been a while since I had adjusted the valves- in fact, I hadnt redone them since the HG replacement. And for that matter, I hadnt retorqued the bolts, either. I have no idea what it is timed at, and it is winter, local fuel isnt so hot... ...



So, I put the timing back where it was when I got it (I'm assuming stock though it cuold be + or -), and put the AFC cone back where it was, about 50%, and choked up the spring tensoin quite a bit. It is now livable in the smoke department, though a little sluggish off the line now. Not going to win any empty drag races. THat helped smoke more than anything. JLEONARD is shipping me a dial indicator this week so I can set the timing once and for all, and KNOW where it is at. I'm thinking 1. 55 for now, mark 1. 7 on the housing, and move it there when I get a new head (engine, not the one on my shoulders, though that may not be too bad an idea, either). I have now driven it thusly for a week, and a tank and a half. First tank was about the same as with the bad sotckers- but I was hammering it off every other light, doing highway bblasts to 83 mph, etc, etc. Now that I'm driving it sanely, I'm doing alot better with MPGs. Keep boost under 25, and all is fine.



Now for the real report- how much power does it add? Since this truck hasnt seen a dyno under my watch, I cant give an honest and accurate figure. But by the seat of the pants, I'd say 25-30, with an additional 75-90 lb-ft, based on how much faster the gauge moves. I can peg the boost gauge much faster, like by 60 mph in 5th, even with the tight AFC; as oposed to pegging (40 psi) at 72-75 mph with stock injectors, and a looser AFC. Overall, I think they are a good upgrade. I have no other injectors to compare to, as this is my first injector upgrade. Cruise EGT is about the same, maybe a little cooler, like 50deg, all else the same. Cooldown time is improved quite a bit, though. By the time I get slowed down to a light in traffic, it is down to 300 deg. Before, it took a minute of idling to get that low. I hardly ever have to wait for EGT to drop low enough, though I normally give it 15 sec of idling to get it all slowed down.



I have a used 12 manifold coming in this week, and am going to make a custom 4" exhaust; tailpipe out of a mandrel bent 90 and 2- 45s. That should help EGTs and flow. My manifold is about 3/8" too short.



Will give more updates as I gather and process information and form opinions.



Daniel

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

Good report... keep em coming... as much detail as possible.

Also, since you have a used exhaust manifold coming in, you should polish the runners as far in as possible and also the outlet to the turbo hot end housing.

Just smooth everything as muchas possible, as far in as possible.



Pastor Bob.

 

[dpuckett]

Originally posted by BushWakr

Also, since you have a used exhaust manifold coming in, you should polish the runners as far in as possible and also the outlet to the turbo hot end housing.

Just smooth everything as muchas possible, as far in as possible.



Pastor Bob.

I fully intend to do that, Pastor. Talked to Rip today, and he said to talk to Old Smoky and see what he has to say as far as what else could be making my smoke. Rip said this is the first set of EDMs he's heard of smoking with such relatively low fuelling. Going to check timing, valve adjustment, head bolt torque, and put the new manifold on, as well as a custom 4" exhaust if I can get the 4-3 adaptor. So, until I get that all checked out, and eliminate pump settings, dont put too much stock in my smoke problem. I have been keeping my foot out of it as much as possible, and have gone 205 on 1/4 tank; have been going 160-170 on the frst quarter. THen it jumps down to the half, and is accurate from then on.



I will say this for Rip and DOn; the customer comes first, at least I have so far. If all else fails, I'm going to pull the injectors and get them tested. I dont think it is too likely- Rip said they put a lot of effort in balancing and testing them before they leave- but anything is possible, I guess.



Until later... .



Daniel

Ps- what should I torque the bolts to? 120ft-lbs seems to stick in my mind. I followed the Cummins manual, and went 93 ft-lbs, then another 90 deg.

 

[dpuckett]

UPDATE!!!

I finally got around to checking head bolt torque today. Few of the bolts went a little tighter. I also checked the injectors, and they were a little loose as well. Teach me to use my own torque wrench next time, instead of borrowing one because I forgot mine. Since the head bolts were not right, I redid the valves. After I got everything bled, it sounded different, though not sure if it was good bad or indifferent. Still havent done the timing; get to it tomorrow. It has a hideous rattle at light throttle- say at 20 mph in 3rd gear down the gravel road. Give it more fuel and the rattle goes away, or gets drowned out. Sounds like an old 6. 9 or 7. 3. It's almost embarassing in town. Gets up and goes better, even with the fuel settings nearly starving its bottom end. EGTs are down about 100 deg, cooldown is MUCH fasster, even sans intercooler. I can now only get to 1150* and 35-37psi, but it throws you back in the seat harder than before- have to be careful of my hat brim getting knocked around. I'll look like a bareback rider if I aint careful. Need to increase fuelling, now. I'll give a full report when I check the timing. Got the indicator from JLEONARD, but it has no adaptor, so I'll have to do some more creative engineering with somefittings and probably a drill and some JB Weld or duct tape



Daniel