Valve Adjustment Gone Bad

[KFaulk]

Had my valves adjusted today. About 5 miles from the shop (local good diesel shop) I began to hear a thumping sound that grew into a loud banging coming from the engine. I got off the interstate at the first exit, parked my truck, called the shop, called a tow truck, and called my wife to come get me. There was no external damage to the engine and no oil on the ground or on the engine.



1. What likely happened?

2. What parts are probably broken?

3. What may be damaged that won't show up until later?

4. What should I make the shop fix?



1995 3500 about 150,000 miles.

 

[pathaymond]

man thats wierd sounding did the truck run good this whole time? I have adjusted alot of valves and can not imagine what could have gone wrong. good luck on this I hate to hear that for sure. Patrick

 

[BCFAST]

Sounds to me as though the tech forgot to tighten a locknut on an adjuster... . a few minutes of vibrating run time and it loosened up and started pounding away.

 

[nfox]

valve adjustment

I agree with bcfast, it sounds like they forgot to tighten a locknut on the adjusting screw. Did the truck run alright when you picked it up from the shop that worked on it? The shop should be able to see what happened when they pull off the valve covers, and access the damage if there is any. Hope not!!

 

[KFaulk]

The truck ran fine for about 10 minutes before the banging began. I'm concerned about what damage might have been done that won't show up until later.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Sorry to hear about your misfortune... . keep us posted on what happen(ed)s... .



Matt

 

[RottnDogue]

Sorry to hear you had trouble, please keep us updated on the outcome



Darren

 

[Jeff H]

I hear ya

I had screw ups work on mine once. Now I do as much as I can my self. I did my 1st valve adjust about a year ago. Was easier than I thought.

 

[pathaymond]

It seems to me that if the lock nut backed off and made things loose in that area only that things would be fine when put back in place. unless a push rod got bent?? I am no expert mech but it seems after some thought of the mechanics there you should be Ok I hope. keep us posted please. Patrick

 

[illflem]

I was thinking the same as Patrick. If a valve adjustment locknut came loose they should remove the rod and check that it is straight. If the rod is bent slightly it is possible to adjust the valve to specs but the rod will continue to bend and the same problem will reappear.

 

[pathaymond]

the scary part is this do you really want this person to touch your cummins anymore? I would be very shy of that situation You are kind of stuck I guess but you can bet I If I was in your spot I would be right Ther when the tech was into my compartment again . if the lock nut loosened and caused this thats just bull cra/ You always recheck and recheck again your torques on those lock nuts.

 

[KFaulk]

Well, here's the result of the valve adjustment gone bad.



The shop was very cooperative and apologized profusely. They said there was no excuse for the tech failing to tighten the nut on the adjuster. When they opened it back up they found a bent push rod that they replaced. The service manager explained what happened, what they checked, and offered to replace or repair any damage that showed up later. Of course, they paid for the tow charge.



A bad experience, but you know what they say, **** happens.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Glad to hear all is well... .

 

[RottnDogue]

Glad it wasn't anything serious



****The service manager explained what happened, what they checked, and offered to replace or repair any damage that showed up later*****



Hope you got that in writing.....

 

[pathaymond]

I hope they learned a lesson from that mistake we are human for sure but gosh that was not a hard thing to get right. Glad your cummins is ok now best regards Patrick

 

[PZicha]

KFaulk , I am coming up to my adjustment soon , did you notice any power gains with a fresh valve adjust , did the truck run noticably better... Pete

 

[BCFAST]

Cool!

Glad things worked out... I doubt you'll have any repercussions down the road. Im also feeling pretty cocky now... . I diagnosed your problem right! I've been hangin' around all you guys so much, Ive actually learned something!