timing pin

[bowhunter]

Adjusted the valves over the weekend, its the first time I've ever used the dreaded timing pin.

Looking for some experiences with the timing pin, How far in should the pin move when it drops in the hole in the cam? Mine moved only 3/16 to 1/4 of an inch.

I usually just find TDC by rolling over the engine and watching the valvetrain, but this time I decided to use the pin. I rolled the engine over backwards at the alternator and watched the valvetrain, when the #1 cylinder looked to be at TDC, I crawled under the truck and POOF! right in... the pin poped in about 3/16th to a 1/4 inch.

Just wondering if it should move farther in, or if my pin was pushed a little out to begin with. I've never used the pin before on any of the other dodge diesels that I've messed with.

Thanks,

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97 2500 Reg cab 4WD, Emerald Green and Driftwood, 3. 54 gears, 2. 5" Tuff Country Steel Coil Spacers, 315/75/16 AT BFG'S on Alcoa's, Trailmaster SSV shocks & SSV steering stabilizer, Holcomb Air, Amsoiled, stock

K. Kinion

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

You were probably lucky. Generally the pin will go inward only a little bit--maybe up to 1/16" elsewhere, and about the amount you said when it drops into the hole in the backside of the cam gear. I hope you marked TDC on the dampener and something stationary such as the crank position sensor [I use yellow Testor's model paint] so it is easier next time #ad

 

[bowhunter]

Yeah,

I made a mark with a yellow tire marker for now, I need to paint a mark on for a more permanent fix.

Thanks

 

[The patriot]

Bowhunter, are you sure it dropped into the gear? There is some free play before it meets up with the gear, I'm thinking this is what happened. Try rotating the engine say 90 degrees, and see if you still have the same amount of pin travel. I'd bet it didnt drop into the hole that easy.
On mine, I tried to use the pin. After an hour, I just went with the overlap method. Truck runs fine.
Eric

 

[Blair]

On my 97 the adjustable sleave that is bolted to the gear case was set wrong from the factory, it was out almost 2 degrees.

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2000 2500 long box 6 speed with everything but cab roof lights,Pyro, Boost, K&N, 4" exhaust, BD Brake, OEM nerf bars (best fit), 1 877 511-5599

 

[bowhunter]

I was thinking the same thing, but when I put it all back together, it ran great. I adjusted the valves yesterday, and today it runs fine. My dodge mechanic friend said not to worry about the valves that they wouldn't need adjusting yet, but I did it anyway.

When I was in the middle of it, I felt all the rockers as I rotated the engine and sure enough, when my marks matched and the pin moved, the right rockers (cyinders) were loose as shown in an issue of TDR. I've never used the pin before, this was a first, but the truck seems to run fine and it has no trouble reving up to 3000 as normal. It does seem to rev a little smoother now.

Maybe its my imagination.....

Kurt

 

[JStordahl]

Bowhunter: I took the dreaded timing pin out and used a mirror and flashlight to visually see if the hole was lined up. It's a real pain getting the thing back in... . a little round springy, toothy clip holds it. Yes, you can push the pin in a little without hitting the hole, and I figure the overlap method is just fine.

 

[DSiemens]

I did the same thing as Jerry. Took the pin out and turned it till I could see the hole. Than marked the vibration dampner. What a pain the first time. If you take the pin out, Cummins sells a new seal for the pin. The pin is held in by a round clip with a lot of teeth on the outer edge. It is time consuming to put it back in as the clip wants to jump away on you. It can be done.

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95, Kitty dead, #6plate, 5speed.

 

[LandShark]

How did you get the pin out?

 

[DSiemens]

I used a small screw driver to pop out the ring and than just give the pin a good pull. It'll pop out but it can be tight.

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95, Kitty dead, #6plate, 5speed.

 

[Big_DQ]

Probably the best way to find TRUE TDC is to crank the intake valve on #1 cylinder, down a few turns, 2 or 3. Then rotate the crank until the piston touches the valve. Mark a spot on the crank. Then rotate the crank in the opposite direction until the piston touches the valve again. Mark this spot and then measure between the marks. Exactly halfway between the marks is TRUE TDC.
Don