Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Valve adjust advice

[Stake Man]

Is there any little tidbits of advice out there for me? I'm going to adjust the valves on my 2002 3500 Chassis Cab. Ever since about 50k miles the truck has a ticking sound in the top end, off throttle on decel. Dealer always said it was normal(" it makes noise cause its a diesel"). And now that its out of warranty, I'm gonna open it up and adjust them myself.



So if anyone has some small tips from their own experience, please share.

 

[Cummins724]

I had mine adjusted by Advance Diesel Technology & he did a great job. The engine is so quiet it is unbelievable. I think that he said the exhaust valves are set at . 015 & intake @ . 010... . I'm not sure of that though. My brothers 98. 5 chatters like crazy, but my truck is smooth.

 

[mhenon]

Do a search for the details. . but it's a simple job. Mine sounded very smooth after the adjustment.

Mike

 

[FourBarR]

You got to wonder if a 24 valve from 98. 5 to 2002 is quiet if the valves are too tight. in the old days when I was a diesel mechanic we had a saying (rather hear them ,than smell them)my 2 cents. probably get flamed for saying that,oh well wouldnt be the first time I put my foot in it. have a nice day and a blessed Christmas .

 

[Stake Man]

At 114k, I kinda feel like its about time to do them. Other reasons besides noise are poor fuel economy and laggy turbo(like big single turbo Supra laggy). Off the line the turbo dosen't "feel" to come on till 2k rpm. Even if i slip the clutch a bunch it dosen't come on till around 1500 rpm. This engine is starting to sound almost as bad as our Detroit 6-71 rattle wise

 

[steved]

The best bit of advice, take your time.



I found that keeping the jam nut snug (not tight) while adjusting would allow for quicker setting as the nut kept the threads tight... taking up excess slack in the threads...



Having two sets of feeler guages helps too (one at intake, one at exhaust)



steved

 

[Hobart]

Go for it . There are articles here to guide you. Its actually a snap , just seems fobidding until you've done it once. I seem to remember intake 10 & exhaust 20 . Hardest thing is breathing while bending over the engine. That and getting the valve cover removed.

 

[mhenon]

That and getting the valve cover removed.

I removed the heater line next to the valve cover and got it outta the way. Made taking the cover off a little easier.

Mike

 

[Cummins724]

Go for it . There are articles here to guide you. Its actually a snap , just seems fobidding until you've done it once. I seem to remember intake 10 & exhaust 20 . Hardest thing is breathing while bending over the engine. That and getting the valve cover removed.

I always climbed into engine compartment & put one foot on each side of the engine sitting on the rad support. This makes it alot easier. I adjusted my valves at 90k & again at 130k, but never had the truck sound as smooth as when Advance Diesel Technology [Doug] did them. It idles as smooth as a Gasser. I've had people ask me "how did you get it to sound so quiet?".

 

[master1578]

Here's a good write-up for ya. Valve Adjustment

 

[AndyMan]

That's a good write-up, but he's got the adjustment sequence off a little.



He says

TDC - intake: 1,2,4 and exhaust: 1,3,5

BDC - intake: 1,3,5 and exhaust: 2,4. 6



It should be:

TDC - intake: 1,2,4 and exhaust: 1,3,5

BDC - intake: 3,5,6 and exhaust: 2,4,6

 

[Stake Man]

Thanks for the link to the write up. I just didn't know if there were and oddities when dealing with the Cummins. I bought a new gasket, but in the write up , it appears he reused his old one. Anyone else do that? I just don't know if I trust it after comming apart. $87 is a lot of money for a gasket & grommets, but as long as it dosen't leak I'll be happy.

 

[Batphreak]

If it comes apart you can't reuse it. It is a reusable gasket, provided it doesn't crack or break apart when you take the valve cover off.

 

[mhenon]

Gasket

If it comes apart you can't reuse it. It is a reusable gasket, provided it doesn't crack or break apart when you take the valve cover off.

I've had mine off about three times so far and it's still in good shape.

Mike

 

[Batphreak]

I've had mine off about three times so far and it's still in good shape.

Mike

You have? That's been the one thing keeping me from doing the lash adjustment. I feel I should buy a gasket before, that way if the current one does get broken I have the replacement handy. I know I can return it if I don't need it, just sucks putting $80+ on the line for a just-in-case part. *shrug*

 

[24V-DSL]

I've lost count over the 157K... . multiple sets of injectors, cam, studs, valve adjustments. Gasket in perfect shape.

 

[steved]

You have? That's been the one thing keeping me from doing the lash adjustment. I feel I should buy a gasket before, that way if the current one does get broken I have the replacement handy. I know I can return it if I don't need it, just sucks putting $80+ on the line for a just-in-case part. *shrug*

My dad has 255k on his truck and we had it off not even a month ago... still perfect... it has been taken off at least three time...



I would not concern myself with the gasket, it is pretty durable...



steved

 

[Beach]

Can someone tell me what it usually cost's to have someone do a valve adjustment!

 

[steved]

Can someone tell me what it usually cost's to have someone do a valve adjustment!

Usually between one or two hours of labor... I think the one cost me $140 and the other $125...



steved

 

[Beach]

Thank's, I figure my truck is due at 140k!