Where can I get timing tape????

[The patriot]

I asked one of the local diesel mechanics in town about timing my truck. He told me to get timing tape, and he'd do it.

He said that Cummins used to sell it, but not any more.

Any ideas where I can get this stuff?

Eric

 

[ScooterH]

Can't give you an address, but I'm sure Summit Racing has it.

 

[Dieselnerd]

Timing tape? What are you supposed to do with it? This is a new one on me. As far as I know you time them by finding TDC either with the timing pin or else using a special tool and then loosening the gear on the injector pump and turning it while measuring plunger lift and setting it to the proper lift. Timing tape sounds like it would be found right next to muffler bearings. That's just my opinion, I could be wrong...

 

[illflem]

I could also be wrong but timing tape sounds like something that goes with a timing light. I'd be wary of that mechanic.

 

['956Wheel]

Is'nt that the stuff you wrap around the harmonic balancer to give you degrees?



You can use a FLAT tape measure and divide the circumference into 360* and mark what you need.

 

[bigkid59]

My take on this is that the mechanic plans to use a timing light triggered by a pickup placed on the number one cylinder injection line. This pickup gives a signal corresponding to the firing of the cylinder by sensing pressure differential in the line.



This is very accurate if used properly. The Kent Moore timing device operates on this principal. If you have the right magnetic probe and know the number of offset degrees on the balancer it makes timing easy.



What he intends to do with the timing tape appears to be to use it just like the timing marks on older model gasoline engines. This should be fine if he knows where to locate top dead center on the balancer and has the correct timing tape. I doubt if you will ever find a timing tape listed for the Cummins engine but they are available for several popular gas engines. You will have to match the diameter of your balancer with the balancer on the engine that a tape is available for. It is critical to match this diameter because the distance between the marks on the tape will increase as the length around the balancer increases. If the timing tape is for a balancer very much different in diameter it will be very inaccurate. These timing tapes are available from speed shops such as Jeg's or Summit.



Years ago when I was drag racing I had a machinist inscribe degree markings on the crankshaft hubs I used on my engines. These timing tapes serve the same purpose.



Good luck!