Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Setting Pump Timing

[NScott]

I am trying to get the pump timing reset on my early 98 12V. Somebody had the head off before I got this one and apparently didn't get the pump timing correct or else it slipped after they got it back together. Anyway, it seems to be retarded now and I have called several diesel shops as well as Dixie Diesel, a local Mid-Range Cummins Distributor and all of them tell me that they set the timing by locking the pin in the timing gear and then locking the pin in the pump. They tell me that this will set the pump to the factory specs. My question is if I want to advance the timing accurately above the stock specs to say 15. 5 or so and using the specs given for the plunger lift , where does anybody get a shop to use the dial indicator-plunger lift method. I'm located in Middle Tennessee and need a shop that can and will do this adjustment accurately.

 

[Andy Redmond]

City Diesel?



Also Ck. out the TDR for vendor's in your area.



Good luck

Andy

 

[onestackdram]

You need to get in touch with TDR Member WADEPATTON. He is from your area and will definitely put you in the right direction.



Russell

 

[TFabian]

For those that have done this yourself, how difficult and how long does it take to set the timing? I know Snap On sells the a timing kit. Are there any tool suppliers?

 

[onestackdram]

It really isnt as difficult as some instructions make it out to be. The first time you do this by yourself it can be very intimidating. But once you have done it you'll understand how relatively easy it really is. I would suggest that you find someone that has done it before and is willing to help YOU do it for the first time. That will eliminate the hardships that may occur.

As for the Snap-On set, that is what I have and I like it. I beleive that Miller makes a set as well, and I know that those that have that one like it too.

 

[ndurbin]

It takes us about 2 hrs. to do it at work.

 

[WadePatton]

Hey Nathan, call Allen Stoner at Stoner Nursury, McMinnville.



He might know someone, or who to ask for at those places that claim they don't do it.

 

[WadePatton]

Soddy-Daisy

Local guy said try Roy Herbert, cell #423-240-2973.

 

[JGK]

In general, setting pump timing is not that hard. However, from personal experience I can tell you the 215 pumps on the '98s are a bit of a challenge. The problem is, when you get the timing up around 15. 5 to 16 degrees, then go and pop the gear off the pump shaft to rotate the engine back to TDC, the pump rotates back just a bit and retards your timing. This is due to the plunger being way up nearer the top of the cam lobe and the tremendous pressure pushing down on the lobe. When the gear pops loose, that pressure forces the pump to rotate backward just a bit.



I've reset the timing on mine 2 or 3 times and in every case I had to figure a way to set it way back off TDC where the plunger is down off the extreme slope of the lobe so the pump wouldn't move when I popped the gear off.



Yes, I popped it off completely at no plunger lift initially, then reset it at about 15lbs torque on the nut so that it came off easy when I had it rotated up to where I wanted it.



Maybe others have had more luck on the 215's and not had this problem. So this is just a "heads up". I've done several 180s and I think a 160 with no problems.



-Jay

 

[JohnE]

Anyone try cracking the #1 injector line to relieve pressure on the plunger?

 

[Jim Fulmer]

Anyone try cracking the #1 injector line to relieve pressure on the plunger



TDC the pump and pin it then go from there.



Jim

 

[JoeBioDiesel]

I agree with Jim (with my limited experience). I timed my truck yesterday. I had to do it a couple of times to get the 15 degree advance I wanted. I would set the pump at TDC and hold it with the pin, break the gear free, then, back off the crank a bit and tighten the nut on the pump. It was trial and error, but it only took a couple of tries.



It starts a little nicer now and feels a little peppier at mid-range... but nothing staggering. It has slipped to 13 degrees.



Joe

 

[WadePatton]

Nathan, I just ordered the SnapOn kit to do the timing. Let me know if you want to do it yourself.