Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

I am pretty sure the problem is solved, but not totally fixed. By solved, I believe the injection timer is bad. After replacing the injectors today, I discussed the problem with the local expert. He believed that the timer is bad, because of the excessive gray smoke, and the lack of RPM's. He suggested an easy test, and I performed it. I removed the hard lines from the injectors and loosened the IP. I advanced the IP about 10 degrees (just a guess). I tightened the IP bolts and bent the hard lines enough to tighten the nuts. After getting it started and the air out of the system, it revved much better than before (almost like it should). However, it was much noisier than it should be, which suggests that the IP timer is not doing it's job. That being said, I will replace the timer. It totally makes sense now, that that is the problem. I believe that if it was a fuel delivery problem, the engine would not run smooth at the highest RPM for a long time. If fuel was starved somehow, it would gradually run slower and slower. I am convinced that the timer is the problem, not fuel starvation in any way.....Rich

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

I am pretty sure the problem is solved, but not totally fixed. By solved, I believe the injection timer is bad. After replacing the injectors today, I discussed the problem with the local expert. He believed that the timer is bad, because of the excessive gray smoke, and the lack of RPM's. He suggested an easy test, and I performed it. I removed the hard lines from the injectors and loosened the IP. I advanced the IP about 10 degrees (just a guess). I tightened the IP bolts and bent the hard lines enough to tighten the nuts. After getting it started and the air out of the system, it revved much better than before (almost like it should). However, it was much noisier than it should be, which suggests that the IP timer is not doing it's job. That being said, I will replace the timer. It totally makes sense now, that that is the problem. I believe that if it was a fuel delivery problem, the engine would not run smooth at the highest RPM for a long time. If fuel was starved somehow, it would gradually run slower and slower. I am convinced that the timer is the problem, not fuel starvation in any way.....Rich

Originally Posted by whunter

Very odd, that would indicate broken springs (other damage) in the timing device.

I don't disagree, but this makes me re-evaluate the impact force and/or mechanical engine condition.

If this is the issue, please get forensic pictures of the damaged unit.

.

Originally Posted by funola

Here's a thread where the engine stopped (while driving) and it was due to broken parts in the timing device.

300SD woes Injection Pump Timing device

Originally Posted by rscurtis

I wouldn't bet on the timing device, the engine should still run without it. The 12V Cummins in the '94-'98 Dodge didn't even have one- they were fixed timing, and ran fine with that setup.

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

.......................................................................It was also suggested by another friend that the timer went bad from bottoming the suspension. He suggested that I at least advance the IP a little and see if it runs better. If that makes a difference, then we are on the right track. What say you?....Rich

Originally Posted by colincoon

Might be a dumb suggestion, but have you looked at the transmission at all? Just in the off chance that it might be inhibiting the engine somehow.

Originally Posted by funola

I searched and found very few posts where something has gone wrong with the timing device. What is its function and purpose? Couldn't find anything in the FSM other than a removal procedure and that it has has adjustment range of 7.5 deg.

From the pictures it looks like the timing device drives the IP via the chain. Does it act as a damper/ flywheel for the IP drive?

Originally Posted by KarTek

The timing device is what advances the injection timing. It has two "halves", an inner and an outer with a set of fly weights attached to one side with cams that move the two sides in relation to one another when the weights move outward.

It works just like the mechanical advance in the distributor of a gas engine except that it's a much beefier piece since a significant amount of power is transmitted through it to turn the pump.

The fly weights inside the pump are for the governing action.

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

After looking at the timing device threads (thanks Roy), I can see that there is just 2 round weights (kinda like hockey pucks) inside that just actuate the outer shell, thereby advancing the IP at an increasing rate according to engine speed (actually half the speed of the crank). Unless one of the weights is stuck, then I can't see any reason why it would not work as it is designed.