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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Wattalife54 on February 26, 2012, 10:33:44 am

Title: M-11 engine valves and injectors adjustment
Post by: Wattalife54 on February 26, 2012, 10:33:44 am
I'm at 120K on the engine and looking to adjust the injectors and valves.  Has anyone attempted this job?  I have the Cummins manual and procedure which appears to be straight forward.  Any tips or hints would be appreciated.  Has anyone had this done by Cummins and if so, what was the approximate cost.  Thanks!!   
Title: Re: M-11 engine valves and injectors adjustment
Post by: Felix and Gail on February 26, 2012, 09:29:22 pm
I recently had this done. Cost was approximately $600 but I had some coolant and fuel lines changed which was included in the price. Was in the shop about half a day.  This also included some gaskets.
Title: Re: M-11 engine valves and injectors adjustment
Post by: David Bethard on February 26, 2012, 10:14:58 pm
If you've adjusted valves before and feel comfortable doing so it's not difficult. Depending on how much room you have to work and how flexible your body is may be the deciding factor. A couple of the valves may be difficult to reach. Follow the directions in the owners manual and it's really quite easy. If you're not sure you know what you're doing have it done by Cummins. The real danger is getting an adjustment too tight which could burn a valve. Too loose won't damage anything but could affect performance. I've adjusted the valves on the two M11 coaches we owned and both required very little adjustment to get perfect. Valve adjustment doesn't change much unless there's something bad going on.
Word of caution - make sure the engine and compartment is clean as possible with nothing loose above the engine. Be careful nothing falls in the valve area while the covers off.

David Bethard
2003 U320
Title: Re: M-11 engine valves and injectors adjustment
Post by: Paul Smith on March 01, 2012, 11:50:56 pm
Is 120K the recommended miles to adjust valves & injectors on an M-11?

best, paul
Title: Re: M-11 engine valves and injectors adjustment
Post by: Michael & Jackie on March 02, 2012, 12:04:52 pm
yes, 120,000 is the recommended time to adjust.  I talked to Cummins too to confirm. I posted recently that just had this done a bit past time on the used coach we bought. 

They found the engine in good shape but the intakes a bit tight.  They noted I might see a bit of change in performance,  and perhaps mpg would be a benefit.

I was really glad to get this done.  Was interesting to watch some of the work.  Not something I would tackle for the cost but I am sure with right tools and information and talent you could do this.  THey got to this by raising the bed, working from inside, literally sitting in the engine compartment.  If you need more info, let me know.  Mike
Title: Re: M-11 engine valves and injectors adjustment
Post by: Paul Smith on March 02, 2012, 12:09:44 pm
Quote
yes, 120,000 is the recommended time to adjust. I talked to Cummins too to confirm. I posted recently that just had this done a bit past time on the used coach we bought.

They found the engine in good shape but the intakes a bit tight. They noted I might see a bit of change in performance, and perhaps mpg would be a benefit.

I was really glad to get this done. Was interesting to watch some of the work. Not something I would tackle for the cost but I am sure with right tools and information and talent you could do this. THey got to this by raising the bed, working from inside, literally sitting in the engine compartment. If you need more info, let me know. Mike

John Christman, you've recommended Pacific Power over Cummins to me if I recall aright. Would you recommend them for valve adjustment?

best, paul
Title: Re: M-11 engine valves and injectors adjustment
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on March 02, 2012, 02:04:31 pm
Just for info, the local Cummins Factory shop in Richmond Va, who knows my coach, tells me the whole valve adjustment process is no more than a 3 hour job, mainly due to there is nothing above the engine, the bed raises so access is simple, If had a helper to bar engine over, would take less time as would not have to run in / out to change cam position each time.
Cheers
Dave M
Title: Re: M-11 engine valves and injectors adjustment
Post by: Wattalife54 on March 02, 2012, 02:21:27 pm
I have a estimate from the Richmond Va Cummins service center. Anywhere from $500-600. May consider tackling it myself. The manual calls for utilizing a torque wrench adapter P/N ST669. That tool new is $234 from Snap-On. Anyone out there have a used one?
Title: Re: M-11 engine valves and injectors adjustment
Post by: Bill Willett on March 02, 2012, 05:45:14 pm
There are a bunch on E Bay, you just need to know the nut size.
Title: Re: M-11 engine valves and injectors adjustment
Post by: Wattalife54 on March 02, 2012, 06:16:21 pm
I was looking for Cummins P/N ST669, but decided to go with a different torque adapter. Found a Torque Wrench Adapter Calculator on the internet. Essential when adding a adapter to a torque wrench to calculate the final torque at the nut.