Valve Adjustment Question

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I have a 98 12V and was preparing to do my first valve adjustment. I read the article on this website from the summer 94 TDR but I still have a couple questions that I was hoping someone could help me with.

- Where is the hole that the barring tool goes into? Top? Bottom? Right side? Left side? Is it access from under the truck? Does the barring tool engage directly with the flywheel? Is the hole covered with a plate or plug or anything? I looked and have not been able to find where the access is.

- Where is the engine timing pin? Is it next to the barring hole?

- Are the clearances still . 010/. 020 I/E (cold) for a 98?

- Whats a good inexpensive place to purchace the barring tool?

Thanks in advance for any info that you could provide me relative to these questions.
Bill

 

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Bill, The hole for the baring toll is plugged with rubber cap, Just pry it off. You do engage the flywheel with the tool and socket wrench. The hole is on the front right side of the flywheel cover facing forward, you have to reach up a bit ( if your on your back with feet towards the front bumper). The timing pin is on the other side of the engine. Its near the area of the front cover (backside) where the Cummins spec label is. You will need to reach up between that cover and the front of the P7100 pump. Your better off getting the #1 cylinder to the approximate location first. I used a piece of copper tubing to maintain pressure on the pin as I barred the engine, Finally, It dropped in. Be carful, Its some sort of plastic device and I heard it breaks easily. As far as the tool, I couldn't get any specific info on the tool, so I bought the whole kit from Cummins Metro Power who UPS'd it to me for like $125. The cold spec's are the same as far as I know. After I performed the adjustments, I really felt it ran smoother. RonL

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98 Dodge 3500 QC SLT 4x4, 12V, Auto 3. 54, LSD, Camper pkg, Running Brds, Tow hooks, Tonneau cover, Cobra / K40, Westach Boost / EGT / transmission Temp gauges, Valley class V, Hadley Dual Air Horns, Mopar Bedliner, RS 9000's, Air Lift system, yada, yada, yada.....

99 Lance 1110 Truck Camper

 

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Funny you should ask this. I just adjusted the valves on mine today! I'll give you the advice I was given some time ago.

First, don't waste your time with the barring tool or the timing pin. The timing pin is a pain to reach and hard to pull back out. Just follow these steps:

1. Remove the top cover and all 6 valve covers.

2. Using a 3/4" socket, turn the bolt on the front of the alternator counter-clockwise until the rockers on the intake and exhaust of cylinder #1 are loose. 2i,3e,4i & 5e should also be loose. If they aren't loose, keep turning until they are.

3. Look at the harmonic balancer. You should see a deep groove right near the top. There is a timing mark close by also. Mark the groove with some white paint so you'll be able to find it later (and next time).

4. Adjust valves 1i,1e,2i,3e,4i and 5e. The valve lash is . 010" for intakes and . 020" for exhaust. Use a 9/16" box wrench to loosen the rocker for adjustment.

5. Using the alternator, rotate the engine one full turn until your white mark comes back to the top. Valves 2e,3i,4e,5i,6i and 6e should be loose. Say a prayer and hope 6i and 6e don't need to be adjusted.

6. Adjust valves 2e,3i,4e,5i,6i,6e if necessary.

7. Put the valve covers and cover plate back on and you're done.

Good luck and have fun... ...

Mike B.

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'98 RAM 2500 4x4 CC LWB Auto 12v 4. 10s Intense Blue, Sport, TST Power Kit, TCS Converter, TransGo
Diesel Shift Kit, M/T 16x8 Classics, BFG AT LT295/75R16, PIAA 90 Pro, ISSPRO Boost,Pyro,Trans Temp
'98 Texas Bragg 20' 12,000# GVW Tandem Axle Utility Trailer
'97 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

 

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Thanks Ron. I'll be back under the truck tomorrow with the info you provided. Nothing can stop me now. BTW what else was in that $125 kit?
Bill

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Mike,
Thanks for the shortcut. Are you saying in step 5 that I can turn over that engine with a wrench on the alternator pullet nut? If so and I dont need the barring tool, then I'm a happy valve adjuster.
Bill

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Yup. It'll turn it counter-clockwise only. The other way just slips... ... .

Mike B.

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'98 RAM 2500 4x4 CC LWB Auto 12v 4. 10s Intense Blue, Sport, TST Power Kit, TCS Converter, TransGo
Diesel Shift Kit, M/T 16x8 Classics, BFG AT LT295/75R16, PIAA 90 Pro, ISSPRO Boost,Pyro,Trans Temp
'98 Texas Bragg 20' 12,000# GVW Tandem Axle Utility Trailer
'97 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

 

[Archive]

Mike,
Great tip. You just saved me many $$
Bill

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