Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Think my timing slipped

[firemanmarc]

The truck is billowing white smoke and does not idle. I do not have a spring compressor to use the valve method for getting TDC. Can I pull and injector and do the same basic thing with a dowel in the injector hole???? Thank you, Marc

 

[K5IP]

You do not need a spring compressor to do the valve drop method of finding tdc. Do a search on timing and you can find how to drop a valve just far enough to detect the top of the piston. The timing pin will get you close enough to tdc (probably less than a degree), for your application. If your truck is not running right because of timing problems, it will have to be a long way off.

Do you have gauges? is the boost low? I'd look for leaks in the supply or return lines first and an easy way to confirm this is to check your low pressure input to the pump.

Rog

 

[firemanmarc]

I swapped rack plugs. It started hard because of air and after it smoothed out it ran good for about 20 seconds. I gave it a little goose and after that it started smoking real bad and only barely trying to idle at about 200 rpms. , it also put out alot of oil( diesel filled soot from stack all over my wife's van)... . I know I did not damage anything changing out the plug, I was extremely carefull. I do doubt that I got the nut tight emough on the pump shaft. . I guess I don't understand how you can get the valve to drop far enough without relieving the tension on the spring... . My timing has always been set by someone else, til he is shop went out. I have my own tools, that I need to get to REFLOYD for him to get his timing set... I am going to really check it tomorrow. . Biggest thing is the timing pin for the motor is gone, was gone when I got the truck, and I don't have an extra one lying around... . Thank you, marc

 

[DTroy]

I just did the timing on a '97 before IRP.



Turn the engine until the mark on the harmonic dampener is lined up at it's proper position relative to the crank sensor.



It will either be at TDC or 180 degrees out. You can verify by pulling #1 valve cover and checking the rockers. If correct, both will be somewhat loose.

 

[WDixon27]

i think you can get a cheepo over the top spring compressor at sears, i didn't even take the compressor off the valve or remove the keepers when i did the dropped valve trick, i just let it ride the valve down, my truck was about 5 degrees off and spit/popped pretty bad when it was cold out, i could get a pretty good backfire if i let it keep popping by staying on it

 

[firemanmarc]

Well after what seemed to an eternity I think I finally found top center. . The issue is I found over 10mm of travel on my dial indicator, implying that I had around 22degrees BTDC... ... ... :--) . . When the timing slips doesn't it usually retard not advance, unless it spun around a full 180..... I got to idle now, but man does is pop and bounce and smoke white... . Gonna give her another try Thursday, tomorrow our little guy has motocross practice. . Thank you all for the help, Marc

 

[WDimig]

if ineed you timing is at that, be very carefull that much timing on a stock head gasket could make it blow, when the timing is advanced the cylinder pressure spikes more, eventhough your not running that much boost, it still could be a problem.



wes