Old School Engine Discussion - Small Cam Cummins Driveability

How can I determine the current button in the pump. Seriously considering a visit with a pump shop to have the pump and injectors checked out. Right now in the process of getting a gauge installed so I can see fuel rail pressure.

On finding the right wrench guy, so many of these old school guys have gone away. I have a line on a really good cummins guy that now works in the coal biz here in So. Illinois. He may be able to give us some hands on experience.

John

 

New pic loading grain...

Loading Grain by Hogleg posted Dec 24, 2016 at 5:35 AM

 

More comments - We were told by our prior owner that the engine had been rebuilt by his prior owner (farmer friend) when the engine was in a 1973 Autocar. Shortly after the rebuild this engine and transmission came out of that doner truck. We got no info on how the rebuild was done, and I am almost sure that our prior owner did not know that info. It is what it is. Truth or Fairy tail, who knows for sure.

Anyway, my first step is to determine that I have good fuel pressure and that all of the injectors are flowing well. As I have read, it is not a good idea to just up the fuel pressure if you do not know for a fact that the injectors can use the additional fuel. If one or more of them were partially clogged the fuel pressure can cause cam problems.

Do I have this correct? I only know what Google-ing has told me in various articles/forums on small cam engines. Lots to learn.

Also - it runs with water temp around 160 degrees now in the winter. Should I be investigating a thermostat or perhaps a partial cover on the radiator to get the temp up. What should be the normal temp for this engine? I would expect around 190 would be more in line with other diesels I have owned - 7.3 and 6.0 powerstrokes.

John

 

Just read that these SC engines need an overhead every 50K miles. And the guy doing it needs to know how to do it properly on a SC engine. All the more importance to find that guy...

John