Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) valve adjustment

[JKouzez]

I have heard from people that a valve adjustment can improve the the performance the vehicle and it should be done about every 100k miles. Well my truck is at 85k and was also wondering if this is the same reason why i am only getting 30 psi of boost while my friends identicly set up truck is getting 40 (only difference is that its a standard) any input would be most apprieciated.

 

[y-knot]

I think that is too long to go between valve adjustments myself. The books says the first adjustment should come at the 24,000 mile mark, and then every 24,000 miles "as needed" after that. While I do not believe everyone needs to have the valves adjusted every 24,000 miles, I do think it is good maintenance practice to go no longer then 48,000 miles between valve adjustments. Also the first valve adjustment, 24,000 miles, is important . The engine it self, has broke-in by then and there is a very good chance the valves are loose, this is normal and should be expected, hence the request for the initial engine service.

I took mine in at it's 24,000 mile mark, and yes I had several that were very loose. I don't understand why so many on forms like this, think of valve adjustment as a waste of time and money? Probably got more to do with the money then the time?

One noticeable benefit of the vale adjustment is the performance, they seem much more "peppy" after wards, and the noise is a bit lower as well. I have had two valve adjustments on my truck, the first at 24K mile mark. And the second at 46Kmiles when the 60# springs were installed. Both times the truck responded with a positive change, more power and a little less noise. To me it is money well spent, and all in-line with good engine maintenance. Good luck.

 

[Howard Durand]

It is pretty easy to do it yourself is you are so inclined.

 

[gcorron]

Agreed that valve adjustments can make a pretty significant difference in your performance. Mine was a bit "peppier" and was certainly much more quiet.



In speaking to several of the techs at Cummins Atlantic in Baltimore, they tell me the #1 problem they find on this engine is that people do not adjust the valves. I'd take that to heart.



No, they weren't working on my truck, I am my own warranty station - thanks.

I go there for genset "stuff" and sometimes the conversation just naturally evolves.



Adjust the valves... . it really doesn't take long, and you have peace of mind and know your vehicle is in good tune.

 

[RT66DOC]

Not a bad job but #5 and #6 are lotsa fun. You'll learn the true meaning of "feeler" gauge - talk about no-see-ums. Also make sure the motor is stone cold so 1) you get the clearances accurate and 2) so you don't burn your belly when you lay on it to get to those last 2 cylinders.

 

[Dual EE]

I just had my valves adjusted last week. Smoothed out the idle.

 

[Lsfarm]

Boost Question

To answer your question about boost being different between your friends truck and your's, there are several variables.



The most likely difference is the fact that your friend's truck is a manual, and therefore was set up to have more fuel to make more horsepower. Max HP was limited to the Auto trans trucks.



The next would be that your wastegate is opening at a lower boost pressure. Or his may be stuck or corroded shut.



Adjusting the valves may provide a slight increase in valve lift or opening on your truck resulting in a slight increase in response. But I doubt that it will make much if any difference in your max boost psi.



There is no reason to not do the valve adjustment now and satisfy your curiousity, the 100K is a recommended max mileage between adjustments, it certainly harms nothing to adjust them more frequently.



Hope this helps Greg L. The Noise Nazi

 

[Joe G.]

Valve adjustment is especially important during the first 50K miles. After about 100K you can go longer between adjustments. The last time I adjusted mine (200K) they were all ok since the previous adjustment at about 150K. I use a small head dial indicator.

 

[JKouzez]

i appreciate the responses i figured out the boost problem, i installed the elbow that came with my plate and he does no have that just hiswastegate line disconneceted i did the same thing and i got 40 psi is this recomended will it hurt the truck any? also i would really like to learn to do the valve adjustment on my own 1. because i like to learn and 2. i am poor college kid and cant afford labor charges. is there a website that explains how to do this and what tools are required thanks in advance.

 

[Joe G.]

http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/valve_adj/12_valve.html

 

[K5IP]

My truck is also a 95 5spd with a tst#6 plate. I get 28 psi boost max, but this is limited by the wastegate.

Valves have been set every 25K and the only adjustment needed was the initial one. (now 85K)

Valve adjustments don't take me any longer than an oil change/lube job.

Rog