Short version: Still smokes a fair amount on startup and starts hard unless plugged in... even when it is 60 degrees F out.
Long version: Been working through my newest bad decision and am looking for some guidance. I wanted a diesel... I wanted a 12v... I wanted something that maybe was rebuilt (fresher is better right). I ended up finding a 97 extended cab with a built engine and trans. I thought because there weren't many miles on the engine and trans it might be easy to "turn down" and make a fun play truck. The body was good except for 1 body mount and a small piece of floor. I paid 7 grand for it thinking I would limp the body through for 2 or 3 years and then transplant everything else into another truck. I basically bought it for the engine. I will start with what it had when I bought it, what I have done so far, and what things I am trying to achieve.
- 97 extended cab long bed
- Trans is stock with billet input and output shafts, had a triple disk (I killed it... kids turned on lockup switch and I couldn't figure out why it was being all kinds of weird after trying this and that by the time I realized what had happened it was dead). Now has upgraded TC but not triple. I don't have a 5th wheel or anything I am going to be pulling. Mom and dad's boat will be the heaviest thing it hauls other than that it is dirtbikes and regular light pickup truck stuff
- Engine has a big cam, upgraded valve springs, arp bolts, gorilla girdle, 55 turbo, fly cut pistons
- Injection pump is 13mm, full cut delivery valves, 5K springs, bigger cam, does have a fuel plate.
- 5x25 injectors
- FASS pump system
WHAT I'VE DONE SO FAR
- Compression test I can't remember the specific numbers but they were all very close across all 6
- I swapped injectors from someone for 380 Hp injectors
- Took out 5k springs (couldn't get it to idle comfortably without all kinds of lope) put in 4k springs pretty reasonable idle now.
- Pin timed the injection pump (no idea what the pump is set at)
- I actually swapped the giant pump for one that was just turned up a little with shims and it fired and idled like a dream.... but wouldn't run at 1300 rpms spit and sputtered.
- turned down the smoke screw and adjusted the tension on the AFC spring. Smokes a LOT less on startup and blacks out the sunless with reasonable throttle control. Will create a traffic hazard if I put my foot in it at all.
- Starting: still starts hard, better when plugged in. Fair amount of smoke on startup. When I first drive it stumbles a fair amount from 1300 to 1600 rpms with a good amount of smoke. Above that runs fine. After a couple of miles, it smoothes right out. Idles at 850 ish when started. Once warmed up and not smoking wants to idle at 1200 (finally burning all the fuel it is getting I suppose, or able to burn fuel that is not getting a good spray). Once warmed up not much smoke at all... little haze at idle.
What's next
- rethink my habitual need to bite off more than I can chew (but I have learned a lot about this engine and like working on it so probably not)
- check timing with a gauge. I suspect some of these issues could be linked to it being timed like you would suspect a pulling truck jacked up this much would be. 30 maybe. Bring it back to a reasonable number.
- Buy brand spanking new injectors.
My questions are
What should I shoot for with timing?
Can I go too small on injectors and delivery valves for this pump? Or if I am going down to reasonable injectors should I also change delivery valves so I am not putting way more fuel than they can spit out. I want to use as much of the capability of the engine without being too smokey and prickish while I am driving.
I have been doing tons of reading on here over the last year or so and it has been super helpful.
Sorry, this was so long.
Let me know your thoughts.
Bookmarks