Detroit Diesel Tune-up?

[Top Hatt Craig]

Hello all

My 1978 DD Operators Manual says "there is no scheduled interval for performing an engine tune-up."
And that "minor adjustments of valves and injectors should only be required periodically to compensate for normal wear"

I know I'd like to show up at work, or only pay my taxes periodically, but what's the story on DD valve/injector adjustments?

 

[Timeout]

I would recommend every 5 - 10 years. I did mine recently and was amazed how much smoother and quieter the engines ran. Part of the problem was one of the engines was not set up with the required advanced timing on the injectors from a previous owner tune up. Nearly every valve and injector needed some adjustment. I paid mechanic to teach me on one engine and did the other myself. It was a good experience.

 

[Victor_Chat]

I've done them on an engine that could use an over haul, it's not hard, just a bit tricky. Luckily a good friend is an old DD mechanic an instructor so I got to learn a lot of great tips and tricks.

 

[SEVEN]

Craig, if all else fails we always have Charlie. The best on the west coast for 80.00 an hour. He is so great.

 

[drburke]

Hey Rusty, maybe we could pay him to do a tune-up and a seminar at the same time, sort of a workshop.

DAN

 

[SEVEN]

Charlie would do that. When ever he works on mine I'm hooked to him, asking questions and seeking his wisdom. What a talented guy.

 

[Timeout]

My mechanic was willing to have me pay him to sit on the couch and walk me through the procedure as I turned the wrenches. Very valuable lesson and his methods were much better than trying to follow the procedure in the manual.

 

[SEVEN]

Agree 100%

 

[drburke]

Hey Rusty, what is Charlie's last name and company?

A dockmate of mine swears by Craig Stange of Detroits Only in San Diego and actually flys him up for work on his 60C enclosed FB. I was going to use Craig for my engine survey but he suggested someone else.

Maybe we all could get Charlie to run us through the basics (I would still use him for any real work). It seems we may have a half-dozen folks here interested.

DAN

 

[SEVEN]

Charlie Butcher, cell number 1-510-773-6254

 

[Dan Mapes]

I had a mechanic tell me that to find out what needs work you get the engine warm, then pull the cover and start it. You drop the pin in the injector while it is running, and if it goes in and comes out you are good to go. The same with the valves. Take the feeler gauge and slide it in. If it has some drag you are good to go. There was no need to crank the engine around and such. He said it saves a mess of time.

Legit?