Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Valve adjustment

[DWoodward]

I have a 99 2500 4 x 4 with the 5 sp manual transmission. It has 334,000 miles on it and it runs fantastic. The previous owner took excellent care of it and just about all the big expensive things had been replaces before I bought it from him. The one thing he did not do was have the valves adjusted. His logic was that it continued to run great and get good fuel economy. Should I continue with his logic or should I get the valves adjusted in the near future? If I do get them adjusted, what might I expect the result to be because of it? Quieter, better fuel economy or what?



What does it typically cost to have this done at a shop? Is this something to try myself ? (I am a decent mechanic)



Thanks for your input and ideas.

 

[BSeyler]

I did my 99 at 150,000. None were too far off, but it gave me peace of mind. Here is a link that shows you step by step:

Ram Truck Cummins Diesel Engine Information

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

If you are a decent mechanic then by all means, do it yourself. With that many miles there well could be great differences in lash even though all might be in spec. All set the same tends to help the engine run smoother.

I typically set mine tighter than . 010 and . 020 and it makes the engine quieter.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[ed9824v]

just set mine a couple of weeks ago. 140,000 all was really ok. did my boys at 135,00 were a little loose and it is much quiter at startup . Ed 1st time took about 45 min the second one about 30 min not a big job but we did injectors on the boys so we were in there for the valves anyway. Ed

 

[LBARTLETT]

performance mechanic told me they really didn't need done on a 24v, at 205k we did new injectors so I had him adjust them, not far off, none really out of specs but it is slightly quieter

 

[KKlingbeil]

I did mine at 170,000 for the first time. I didn't check all, but the ones I did were in the 0. 014 to 0. 015 on the intakes, and 0. 024 to 0. 026 on the exhaust. Not sure what the OK range is... I set mine at 0. 008 and 0. 018. Much quieter and smoother.

 

[Joe Mc]

DWoodward as far as the "barring tool", you don't need it - use a socket and turn by the alternator nut.

 

[KKlingbeil]

Or put a socket on one of the balancer bolts. . same effect

 

[jshumate]

Barring Tool Kit

For anyone wanting the barring tool as well as KD brand wrenches to go with it, here's one on ebay.

Cummins Diesel Midrange Performance Barring Tool Kit : eBay Motors (item 130370764031 end time Mar-06-10 23:37:50 PST)