A generic (sort of) Cummins Big Cam question

That handle should make rpm increase its was used for running eng. in cold an hot weather to keep oil pressure up at idle it maybe hooked to wrong side of arm? look at L side of eng. for cpl # if you dont have the silver id plate pop riveted at the very ft. of left side of eng.

 

Hi Hogleg, I believe the cable is attached to the compression release, ( for starting) so I'm not sure Big Cams had that. The engine specs on BC's used to be on the accessory drive by the air compressor. It was a band held on by 2 flimsy rivets and usually fell off. http://www.truckrepairorlando.com/w...ins_NTC-300_Big_Cam_Engine_Tag_21_4-large.jpg

 

That was not available on big cam engines, that was a small cam only feature, it lifts the exhaust valves during cold cranking to allow the engine to gain cranking speed, once reached you would release and allow valves to close and usually start pretty quickly after that.

 

It hopefully is a 400hp big cam that many Auto/car trucks came with back then?

 

It's definitely a small cam and that is a compression release.
I had a 1974 pete with a small cam 350 and it was rebuilt in to a 420 which was an industrial h.p. rating.
I think the 290 could be built in to the same upgrade so the real h.p. rating on yours could be up in the air.
As for the compression relief it's a great option for when weather gets to freezing and below.
Pull that cable out and hit the starter and once she is wheeling over let go of the handle and she will fire right up.

 

It's been so long I can't remember.... wasn't a 290 naturally aspirated. And the turbo version a 350?

 

I would remind some of you to make sure your fuel line is open (Handle on floor on left of your seat by door...)

I don't recall a engine with compression release for cold weather. The ones I recall were Big Cam 4's usually. Otherwise it's either a 200's mack or a small Detriot.