300Tdi Valves

RBBailey

RBBailey

NAS-ROW Addict
Callsign: KF7KFZ
Is there anything I should know about doing a valve adjustment on the 300Tdi?

I drove about 100 miles today, mostly highway at 55-65 mph, and I just can't shake the feeling that although everything is working well, there is something just a bit off, out of balance, off sync. So I'm thinking I should pull the valve cover and at least check clearances. Maybe check that the timing is actually on.

Basically, it just seems extra rough at 2500 or 2700 rpm or so. The type of rough and noise that I think a lot of people would not tolerate, even from a diesel.

Other than that, things seem OK. I got 20mpg on my commute over the past three weeks. Which seems OK, since I only get 11mpg in the RRC on the same commute.
 
Napalm00

Napalm00

Technical Excellence Contributor
Exact caps , 8mm valve stem hardened. To make install easier put a dab of Grease on the cup to keep them in place.

I've put these in about 7 engines now


The 2.25 all the way up to the 2.8tgv all use 8mm stem valves.
 
RBBailey

RBBailey

NAS-ROW Addict
Callsign: KF7KFZ
I'm going to do this today, and I'm really hoping I find one or two of the valves too tight or too loose, and that the whole thing will smooth out a bit as a result.
 
Napalm00

Napalm00

Technical Excellence Contributor
Just make sure if you aren't replacing the caps to remove and check them, if they are scored ,damaged or mishapen you won't be able to set the lash correctly
 
RBBailey

RBBailey

NAS-ROW Addict
Callsign: KF7KFZ
OK. So one of the valves was set way too tight. The rest were OK, but a bit on the loose side. I set them once. Then cranked the engine a bit, then went back and set them again by comparing each one to the next blade up. I got each one feeling like it was tight for the next step up, but just about right for the correct spacing.

This did quiet the engine down on warm idle. After a few minutes it just purrs while at idle. It is still louder than I expect, but it does seem smoother at higher RPMs. Like it isn't such random growl anymore. Seems more dialed in. But wow, it is still loud when pulling up a hill at 45 or so. I will order a set of new caps and reset them with the new caps in another couple thousand miles.

I need to really drive another 300Tdi (again) and pay attention to the high RPM feel and sound.

Thanks for the help.
 
V

Viton

Well-known member
When I went to adjust mine, 3 factory original caps had worn completely through, leaving nothing but a cap "doughnut" ring. LR factory caps are 0.062" thick.

I too considered EMPI caps, but bad reviews about Empi caps, sent me looking elsewhere.
For one, they are Chinese made, and were found to be inconsistent in their steel properties and hardness.

I went with these USA made units. They are 0.080" thick.
www.summitracing.com/parts/afr-6609/overview/
 
Napalm00

Napalm00

Technical Excellence Contributor
Fair enough. I've used them on vw and lr engines without issues . But as usual ymmv with any part, for me it's hard to pass up $12 a set
 
RBBailey

RBBailey

NAS-ROW Addict
Callsign: KF7KFZ
I'd be willing to bet either of them are better than the original LR caps.

The drive this morning was uneventful. Again am noticing that the warm idle is quieter, and the RPMs of 2500 or more do seem smoother. I'm happy with the job so far, and I'll check for cover leaks this evening.
 
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