I have 1999 dodge cummins with 112,000 miles. Engine has always been loud but maybe getting moreso. Should I be thinking about getting the valves adjusted. Manuel says 150,000 miles, but my truck is used on farm and has a lot of use not necessarily miles.

 

Wouldn't be a bad idea,especially if you pull alot of heavy loads over rough terrain and inclines to where the motor try's to "lug" under load.It would be a safe guard and peace of mind.Could also be the fuel,winter blend makes Cummins loud.Just a thought...

 

valve adjust is never a bad idea.

also 2-stroke oil in the fuel 128:1 mix does help reduce noise as it adds lubrication to the injection pump and injectors which are lubricated and cooled only by the fuel.

 

So what is a reasonable cost for valve adjustment?

 

Best cost? Free. Do it yourself.

All you need is feeler gauges, 9/16" wrench, and 5mm hew wrench. Oh and 10mm to take the valve cover off.

Spin the engine over by hand until the TDC mark on the balancer is straight up, then check if both rockers on #1 cylinder are loose, or both on #6 are loose.

If both #1's are loose, set intake lash at .008 on #1, #2, and #4 and exhaust lash at .018 on #1, #3, and #5. Now spin the engine 360 degrees and set intake on #3, #5, and #6 and exhaust on #2, #4 and #6. Reinstall valve cover and drive.

 

This should help out! Its a very easy process!
http://articles.mopar1973man.com/2nd...ash-adjustment

 

Well, I have all the tools, just need to get busy on some cold wet day betwwen feeding cows. Thanks for good info! Pics are worth thousand words.

 

Any reason you run your lash so tight?

 

You can set it pretty much anywhere in the cummins specs. Plus a little bit tighter will quiet the engine down some

Min. valve lash Intake .006"
Max. valve lash Intake .015"

Min. valve lash exhaust .015"
Max. valve lash Exhaust .030"

 

It's a little quieter, and that's what my cam manufacturer recommends