Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Engine Tools/TST Plates(Multiple Questions)

[ProMac1K]

Well, i've got a few questions and figured that I might as well put them in one subject instead of two. So here it goes.



I'm curious on the tools needed to do minor work on these 5. 9L engines such as pump mods, turbo mods, KDP fixes, etc. I'm trying to put together a Mac Tool list so maybe I can learn how to do some of this stuff for myself. So far I have bought a 4-Led Flashlight Package with a Knife/Utility Knife and Carrying Case, two 3 ft magnets and one pencil magnet, and two extra long slotted screwdrivers, for pump tweaking and mods. I'm not sure if I should take one of the screwdrivers back. Which one is preferred for doing stuff like star wheel adjusting? A longer narrow one(1/4" wide tip) or a longer wide one(3/8" wide tip), or both? I've got a decent sized Snap-On setup with a few other brand tools in it here and there but that is used for school and work. But what else do I need or could I use?



Next question. Is there a fueling chart or profile chart/description for the TST plates? I'm aware of the chart on TST's page and DIS's page, but that is only the power/torque chart. I just want to learn more about the different profiles of the cams.



Last question. Where do you go about learning on how to do these procedures on the pumps? I understand there is many articles on this forum but it would be a lot of work sorting through the info through the archives. What all can be done?



Trever

 

[illflem]

Most of your power upgrade questions are answered or linked to here-

http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/more_power/power_p7100.htm

 

[Howard Durand]

START with a complete set of metric wrenches (combination, box end and open end) between 5mm and 19mm as well as both standard and deep sockets in the same sizes.

1/4 inch drive set for the smaller sizes and 3/8 and/or 1/2 inch drives for the larger. (a drive set would include ratchet handle, breaker bar and extensions)

3/8 to 1/4 and 1/2 to 3/8 drive adaptors are nice too.

You will need several different sizes and types of screw drivers.

Flat blade, Torx and Philips.

The list can go on and on. I have been collecting tools for 50 years and still have to make an occasional emergency trip to the tool store.

I have been able to add to my collection of both 8 point and 12 point sockets at the local pawn shop. They usually have a whole box of cheap ones as well as some name brands at a little higher price but still way below hardware store prices.

There are also special tools needed for different applicatons such as checking and changing the timing, removing the fan assembly and so on.

For these you have to make the decision as to how much you want to do yourself or if it would be more cost effective to hire it done.

I am sure most of the folks on this forum that have the satisfaction of doing their own work will agree that you will never have enough tools.

 

[ProMac1K]

Thanks Howard! That's a start?



I called TST's number and instead must have dialed Diesel Injection Service's #. So I figured I would ask them. I talked with a guy on there to see if I could get a better view on the plate profiles. Lets just say that i'm never doing business there ever. Talk about a very poor excuse for technical support. :-{}



P. S. Howard, I got some switches but I think they are the wrong ones. I have to email you again. Will do that tonight. Right now i'm gonna clean up some of our old trucks and take some pics in my spare time. Today was the last day of afternoon classes at College until January.



Trever

 

[bnelson]

necessary(?) tools

Some "special tools" said to be required for a specific job are needed; others are just more convenient to do the job. With experience you will learn to make some of your own special tools.



Howard is right. You will never have enough; also, pawn shops are a great bargain. Always buy a broken Craftsman or Snap-on, as they are worth a new replacement.



RE: your question on screw drivers. This is going to end up personal preference. I'd say keep both, you'll need both eventually. I think there are about thirty screw drivers in the screw driver drawer on the big tool box, and a good dozen in the truck box.



On the subject of the right tool-- years back my son Ryan and his friend removed the transmission from my '77 Caddy. The last bell housing bolt (the one right up tight against the firewall) took them a good hour to get out. I was up to my ears in another project, and didn't pay much attention, but they were going in with an end wrench, turning the bolt about a 1/16th of a turn, removing arm and wrench, turning the wrench over, and going back in for another 1/16th of a turn. They informed me that when the new transmission arrived, I got to put that bolt back. I started it with my fingers, then used a wobbly socket (the ball-joint impact wrench style, not the universal joint type), and about 24 inches of 1/2 inch extension, and a ratchet. I had it in and tight in thirty seconds. The boys stood afar off and shouted obscenities at me!



You'll arrive at the point where the tools you have made or altered are most valuable to you. All the rest you can replace downtown.



Season your education with some experience and you'll wonder if you have "I KNOW EVERYTHING" tattooed on your forehead.



Brad

 

[JoshPeters]

Tools... . ahh... my favorite subject... ... being a tech I have about $10,000 into my tool box itself, and another 20,000 to 25,000 in tools. I still buy new stuff all the time. A good starter set, go to Sears and get their 251piece mechanics set, get a good set of screwdrivers, a good set of pliars, some hammers, pry bars, files, a few punches, and go from there. Everyone has to borrow stuff once in a while. As far as techs go, we generally follow this unwritten rule; If you borrow it more than 3 times, buy it. If you have an air compressor, air tools are a great time saver, but becareful, they have more power than you think. One speciality tool you may want to invest in, would be the timing set to time your engine. Trevor, if nothing else, give me a jingle we can set something up where you can come up here and we can tackle anything you may have.



Josh

 

[ProMac1K]

Thanks Josh!



I think i'll have a little talk with the Mac guy when he comes on Tuesday. He's got pretty reasonable prices. What do you think of Mac Tools, or Stanley? I like my Snap-On's, but they are way overpriced and their wrenches suck. They're not the Flank Drive's. The guy put on this whole demonstration at Tool Day for me. Something about the heat or pressure goes to some specific area or something. I don't know, I figured that he was selling me the Flank Drive's but I guess not.



I'm having pump problems I think. Way too much smoke if punching on it from a stop, and it doesn't accelerate quick until the smoke clears(when boost builds). And then the turbo sounds like it's going to swallow the air cleaner, pick the truck up, and send it flying in the air. Plus I defuel at 2700 rpm. But the transmission seems to be holding up.



Trever

 

[onestackdram]

First; the defueling at 2700 is normal for a STOCK 215 pump. So unless you have done something to it i. e. spring kit that is normal.



Second; to clear up that slow acceleration, that is simple to solve. Get out your screwdrivers and a torx bit (a hand impact driver would really come in handy for this the first time you do it) and slide that stock plate foward (ALL THE WAY). Secondly I would open up that AFC and play with the star wheel.



Third; Tools will depend on how much you are wanting to invest, and as to what brand that is completely a personal subject. I personally am a craftsman man, but I do have some Snap-On and Mac tools in my box as well, due to the fact there are just some tools that Craftsman doesnt make. But they are all a good brand and all for the most part live up to what they claim.



Fourth; specialty tools, I have to re-reccomend the timing kit set from snap-on or Miller Tools, and even more importantly to me personally was my injector pulling tools, I originally bought them for personal use on my two CTD's but have actually made a little money with them, as soon as everyone learned I had a set, they were all calling me to yank their injectors.



Russell