[countryboy86]

So I have a question i have been watching videos on youtube that on the 6.9 IDI you can advance the timing and output of the injection pump. So my question is is this something that is safe to do to these pumps or should it just be left alone? I like that when this is done more black smoke pours out but i wouldnt want to damage anything just to see more smoke so thats why i am asking about this first before i where to proceed to do something like this. Also i would need to learn on how to do this type of adjustment if its something that can be done without hurting anything. Im just trying to learn all i can about these particular diesels. Any response or help with this would be greatly appreciated thank you in advance.

 

[chuckster57]

"Turning up" the fuel is something some people do for extra power. Without a pyrometer to monitor your EGT's your asking to melt a piston.

Wanting to see ANY smoke at all is a big "Look at me" that us older NON smog trucks don't need. Never mind all that smoke is wasted fuel, your in Ca. Where the older Diesel engines don't have to get smogged. Smoke may get the talk of retrofitting ALL diesels with a DPF started again, and I for one don't want that.

If your truck is doing everything you want it to, leave it alone. If you want a big HP improvement, buy a new truck.

 

[DENNY]

Yep black smoke is nothing but a big flag saying pull me and all old diesel trucks off the road forever!!!!! You are in a state that can make it happen real fast!
DENNY

 

[countryboy86]

"Turning up" the fuel is something some people do for extra power. Without a pyrometer to monitor your EGT's your asking to melt a piston.

Wanting to see ANY smoke at all is a big "Look at me" that us older NON smog trucks don't need. Never mind all that smoke is wasted fuel, your in Ca. Where the older Diesel engines don't have to get smogged. Smoke may get the talk of retrofitting ALL diesels with a DPF started again, and I for one don't want that.

If your truck is doing everything you want it to, leave it alone. If you want a big HP improvement, buy a new truck.

Well i kinda figured it would be something not good to do but i wasnt sure thats why i asked first. I will just leave it alone and just fix it up as i go without messing with that pump. Thank you for your insight on this chuckster57. Im not trying to mess up my truck or looking to gain HP just trying to learn the what to do and not to do type of stuff to these motors.

 

[countryboy86]

Yep black smoke is nothing but a big flag saying pull me and all old diesel trucks off the road forever!!!!! You are in a state that can make it happen real fast!
DENNY

Yeah i dont want that thats for sure as i love these old diesel motors or anything old for that matter. Im not trying to get attention or have my ability to own this truck taken away. I just think its cool when they do it but im not willing to sacrifice my ownership or motor just to see a lil black smoke.

 

[chuckster57]

At least your thinking!! Black smoke used to be cool, but not any more. I grew up with leaded paint and gasoline. Watched the air turn brown and cough...I'm liking this clear sky stuff!!

 

[jimmy]

Back when these were new trucks and I owned and worked on them I would do pump adjustments. If the timing was off then timing adjustment with the timing gauge with glow plug luminosity probe would make a difference. You could tell these trucks needed it due to extra loud knock at idle or extra quiet @ idle. The overadvanced knocking ones should have run better by "hot-rodder" rules but it seemed the noise was the only noticeable result. The retarded ones did run better with timing set at spec.
The fuel adjustments also seemed to not make any noticeable difference unless you had a truck with a noticeable low power concern. The trucks with issues often had been adjusted as evidenced by missing paint marks and paint seals. They were adjusted for high altitude in some cases and needed that reversed.
Basically what I'm saying is timing needs to be at spec as the spec seemed to be optimal setting. Fuel adjustment that got you smoke seemed to just get you smoke with no improvement in performance.
Now if a turbo kit had been installed that is a whole 'nother story for fuel adjustments.