Turned the corner

[quinryan]

Reached a milestone with my 82 Jimmy with the non-turbo 6.2; it has started every day for a month now. A little while ago, I would have considered a 3-day string to be a success.

I even managed to adjust the IP so that FrankenJimmy no longer looks as if he runs on coal. It only smokes now at start up and when I put my foot into it.

A question has arisen, though. Without having one of those really expensive and rare Snap-on timing meters, how do I check my timing? I pressume that it's a trial-and-error process. I'm really good at error, so it's the "trial" portion that I'm looking for.

That said, what timing do I want? I live at 6200' and drive up into the Rockies often. I've heard that 2* BTDC is the best setting, but you guys know more than I do.


Skip in Colorado Springs

82 Jimmy with n/a 6.2, 700R4 and NP 208
93 Jeep Wrangler w/ Low-Output 2.5 and smoked-clutch 5spd

 

[AJMBLAZER]

The best advice I've seen people who knew a thing or three about these diesels say is "take it to a shop that has a light and knows how to use it".

Costs more but considering you could seriously screw your engine up it might not be a bad idea to consult the experts.

 

[quinryan]

Only shop in town (Colorado Springs) that does this gets $250 for it; as I said, they're the only shop in town. Yes, a new/rebuilt engine is kinda pricey, but $250 for a tweak seems excessive.

"Why in hell can't the Army do it if the Marines can. They are the same kind of men; why can't they be like Marines!?"- Gen. John J. "Black Jack" Pershing, US Army; 12 February 1918

Because the Army has standards; we like our men's parents to have been married, even better, to people they weren't related to aforehand.
-Quincy Ryan, US Army (Ret).

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Personally I'd gladly pay the $250 and know it was done correctly (I'm also super anal so I'd ensure the place was worth the cost). Just out of my realm of abilities and I've seen guys on here and TDP who have rebuilt 6.x's say "take it to a shop".

BTW I know the feeling of having it run reliably. Mine had a break in one of the GP controller wires at the connector and just about every time I wanted to turn it on I had to get out, open the hood, wiggle that wiring harness, then it'd fire right up and I'd have to close the hood. Replaced the last 6" of wiring harness and that connector and it's been great for a year now. I don't DD it anymore but even after sitting for months this winter it's fired up first try several times. Good feeling.

Eh...last I knew we still had higher fitness and ASVAB standards, longer waiting lines to join, higher retention rates, and we definitely have a better track record and reputation for getting things done...as per General Pershing there.
(I admit I'm biased but my grandfather was a WWII US Army combat vet so no, I'm not anti-Army. I also work with Army vehicles every day so the Army keeps me employed.)

 

[quinryan]

All kidding aside, I have a lot of respect for the USMC. Your focus on marksmanship is legendary, and yes, PT standards are much higher. Even your REMFs are in better shape than many of our line-troops.

When I was at the Armor School at Knox, we had 4 Jarheads in the class, and the OIC of our class was also a Marine. All were squared away fellows.

Moreover, getting admirals to think in Marine Corps terms, such as "rifle" and "tank" and "mess kit", etc. is always an achievement. At least the Army has a realistic budget and our generals seem to understand what we need. Was great to see that the Commandant was elevated to the Joint Chiefs; that has to help as much as GEN Shaliskavili being head of the VA. Considering how paltry his budget is (Air Force couldn't make a gold course for that kind of money), he's doing a pretty good job, I think.

The bottom line, of course, is that we veterans have an understanding and appreciation of this great country that most other folks lack, though naturalized citizens come in pretty strong there, too. America may not be the best country ever founded, but it sure beats all the others.

BTW: John Wayne was in the Army more than he was in the Navy/Marines .

 

[AJMBLAZER]

True. The Longest Day is one of my favorites of his.

Damn, can't believe I forgot the marksmanship part.
(As an aside I never did terribly well at the range (I blame my eyes and the terrible glasses they kept giving me) and was always a Pizza Box Marksman - the lowest award - but my buddy who was in the AF then said I'd have nearly qualified Expert in the AF when he converted the score over.)


All was meant in fun. I joke with most guys about it. My nickname here at work with half the guys is Jarhead after one found out I was a Marine. All's fair though, I call one of the receiving guys Dogface every time he fires up with Jarhead.
Anybody who had the balls to serve (or not wuss out of the draft for those old enough) gets a step up in my eyes.