Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Timing Pin

[trudydog]

Hello All,



replaced old leaky valve gaskets the other day and what better time to check valve clearance. I have the barring tool which makes life easier but found the pin to be a bit tricky. The pin moves in and out just fine but I was never able to find the "TDC hole". I ended up using the crossover method to check clearance (no adjustment needed). Anyway, I would like to learn about finding the pin hole for next time, what did I miss or ????



I viewed some video where the pin was removed , the hole lined up, and the pin installed but that seems counterproductive to the design.



thanks for any assistance.

 

[GAmes]

Are you sure the pin still has the little nub on the end? They are easily sheared off. No loss though, it is hard to get to and not very accurate. I have mine RTVd in so that it won't leak oil. Using the method you did is easier for setting valve lash. If you took the time to mark your damper it will be easier next time. If you decide to change your timing, the drop valve method to find TDC is a lot more accurate than the pin.

 

[trudydog]

Thanks for the reply. ) I thought about the shear too. My first diesel so trying to do the oem thing. After working it I finally just reverted to gasser knowledge. For clarity, the pin does not get removed and flipped or manipulated... it is designed to drop in the gear hole when aligned as it sets ... ?

 

[GAmes]

A lot of people pull it all the way out and remove the o-ring, but no it does not reverse. The holder it is in is adjustable, so it is possible the holder has moved.

 

[trudydog]

Thanks GAmes! Yeah my initial impression was the pin was prob sheared, I am second owner and the truck had 94k when I bought it. . MB the pin pull was forgotten at some time and got snapped. It sure took 90 minutes of my time trying to find the "drop in the hole feature"... . Of course being new to the design, I figured I was missing something but it makes sense that tit prob was previously broken And yep, I marked the damper for next time! Truck has 113k now and no adjustments were made... . 010 & . 020 as advertised on all. anyway thanks again!

 

[hsmith]

113k on a 12 valve??? Someone needs to drive that thing.