It runs! But barely- IP, valve timing, both?

[New2MB]

Well I actually got it to run today, the 300SDL that is.

I was priming my new/used IP and only getting fuel out of DV's 3, 4, 5 and 6.

I gave up and connected the lines up, cranked it over and it actually started.

However, I had to put the pedal to the floor to keep it running and if I let off it would sputter and die. Got up to about 1200rpm at one point. It also smoked as if that were it's sole purpose.

So I'll need to check DV's 1 & 2 to see if they're putting out fuel but I'm also wondering about IP timing and valve timing.

I recall reading that if I was even 1 tooth off on the camshaft that the valves would hit the pistons. Since my pistons are not hitting my valves I presume that the timing is good. I also checked the camshaft mark to the crankshaft and it looks good but I think the pointer bracket that lines up TDC on the harmonic balancer may not be perfectly placed (why is that damn thing adjustable!?).

So assuming my valve timing is good and I DO have fuel out of DV's 1 and 2, would the IP timing being off create this type of running condition?

If it's none of the above and I've missed something feel free to point that out as well.

Thanks!

[barry123400]

As I see it you have to make sure 1 and 2 are producing fuel out. How much work was done to the car before the injection pump was installed?

If you can get the first delivery valve putting out you can drip time for number one and check that the cam lobes are generally pointing upward at the same position.

Why did you change the injection pump? One tooth off on the cam the engine will not have valves hitting pistons at idle anyways. It takes two teeth off I believe to get true interference. . Also I do not think the engine would run that bad with the cam one tooth off.

[Diesel911]

When you installed the IP how did you time it?
Were the Fuel Filters Changed before you instlled the IP?

[New2MB]

Before the IP was installed the engine was out, torn down to the block but I left the oil pump, crankshaft, rods and pistons in it.

I changed the injection pump because my old one wasn't putting fuel out of the number 4 DV, I had improperly stored my IP, and I could not get the engine started. Well, that and dawtwo made me an offer I couldn't refuse.

Originally Posted by barry123400

As I see it you have to make sure 1 and 2 are producing fuel out. How much work was done to the car before the injection pump was installed?

If you can get the first delivery valve putting out you can drip time for number one and check that the cam lobes are generally pointing upward at the same position.

Why did you change the injection pump? One tooth off on the cam the engine will not have valves hitting pistons at idle anyways. It takes two teeth off I believe to get true interference. . Also I do not think the engine would run that bad with the cam one tooth off.

[New2MB]

Timed with my eyeball.

I know, I know, I'm just sick to death of putting money into this thing, $50 here, $25 there, at first I was buying everything recommended but several thousand dollars later and now jobless I've about had it.

The fuel filter was changed years ago when I started this project but has only had a couple of gallons of diesel run through it.

I was noticing that the line going out of the canister filter and to the IP was drying up on me, then getting air bubbles. However, now it is full of fuel so I figured it just needed a better priming.

Judging by the mushroom cloud coming from the tailpipe I figured it was getting sufficient fuel just at the wrong time. Are you thinking this sounds like a fuel starvation problem?

Originally Posted by Diesel911

When you installed the IP how did you time it?
Were the Fuel Filters Changed before you instlled the IP?

[barry123400]

If you had the head off and it appears you did. You will have to drip time the injection pump and verify the valve lobes are pointing generally upward on the number one cylinder.

There is a chance you have the injection pump on the wrong stroke. You could also have it seriously out of general timing. First you have to get at least number one injection pump element delivering to do the timing.

Have a look to make sure the relief valve is overflowing on the injection pump while cranking. This indicating you have some reasonable fuel presure present in the base of the injection pump.

[vstech]

isn't this the pump with the 15° lock point? can't you use a tool to line up the pin, then install the pump while the crank is at 15ATDC?

[Stevo]

Sounds like maybe you installed the pump 180 degrees out.

[New2MB]

Yup, that's right, 15 degrees ATDC.

I got it on the right stroke, #1 cam lobes both up.

I made myself a tool today so I'm going to try timing it again.

I read that I could get it running decently using the lock tool for timing and then use one of the other methods to get it honed in and running smoothly.

I'll have to give that a go and see if it does the trick.

[barry123400]

Sounds pretty good. See if you can get those two injection pump elements producing. From your description they may still be down.

I have had a few diesel engines smoke quite heavily after sitting a long time. It always seemed to clean up with a little use. I suspect you have your timing on okay.

Some of the rings may be stuck from sitting years as well. Since the engine starts in a way they may loosen up with a few cycles.

[New2MB]

As it turns out my IP timing was WAY off, I'm guessing it was around 35 degrees ATDC.

I re-timed it to the 15 ATDC and voila, purrs like an old diesel and no smoke!

Next test will be to put it in drive and see if the transmission part of the equation is up to the task.

Thanks for all the help!