How to Spill time a diesel?

Answer 1

"Spill" timing: To check and/or adjust the injection timing on a mechanical diesel injection pump: The method will be slightly different depending on the age of the engine. For older diesels, its possible to remove the delivery valve, which greatly simplifies the tools needed. New diesel pumps however, often are phased at the factory, so removing the delivery valve can disturb the phasing of the individual pump plungers. You will need a pressurized fuel supply to overcome the valve pressure. 1) Remove the injector lines and protect them from dirt. Also cap the injectors for the same reason. 2) Take an old injector line, bend it in a 180 degree loop and cut the end off at a 45 degree angle. This homemade spill tube will allow you to see the drops of fuel coming out much easier. 3) At this point, if you have an older engine, remove the delivery valve (dv) from the top of the # 1 injector plunger but reinstall the threaded outlet. 4) Install the spill tube on the # 1 injection pump outlet. With the dv removed, flow fuel into the injection pump inlet. Rotate the engine by hand in the normal direction of rotation until you see fuel flowing continuously out the spill tube. 5) Slowly continue turning until the fuel slows to a trickle and starts to drip. When the drips stop, or are more than 5 seconds apart, stop turning the engine and look at the timing marks on the flywheel. Read off the injection timing off the scale. The stopping of the fuel flow marks the moment when the pump fill port is closed by the injector plunger (end of the filling stage) and the commencement of injection. 6) If you have kept the dv installed, you will need to pressurize the injection pump fill galleries with a small hand or electric pump. This forces the delivery valve open and allow fuel to spill. Continue from step 5 above. Hope this helps.