I have adjusted, checked and rechecked the valves, rocker arm torque and such, and my valves are still quite noisy. compared to an 03 cummins with 350K miles and an 04 cummins with only 75K and a mid 80's gmc diesel my truck is LOUD. After searching around the green bay area I found a mechanic who said it is possible for the valves to need replacing and the seats ground. He said it would only cost $450 for new intake exhaust valves and resurface the head. He has not yet heard the truck, and I plan on going over there when I get a chance next week. but I would like to be educated on the subject, what are your thoughts?

 

sounds like injector knock or that the pump timing to compression timing may be out alittle, there is a thread that talks about the timing of the pump to compression, it is not mechanical timing, so if you left it alone it will not cause any problems, just make it noisey, do a search on here it will explain it in more detail.
just my thoughts

 

I don't want to sound stupid, but I have a question about valve lash on the Cummins. First off, all my previous experience has been with Mercedes 4, 5, and 6cyl Diesels. When a Mercedes Diesel valve lash is adjusted it is because the clearances are too tight, not too loose. Just a couple of thousandths will keep a perfectly good running engine from starting when its cold. So, do Cummins valves get loose and noisy when they get out of adjustment or do they tighten up too?

Inquiring minds want to know

 

450 probably doesn't include any labor to r&r the head or gaskets......i just paid almost 800.00 to do a head gasket repair on mine, and i furnished the gaskets!!! so you can expect to pay well over 1000.00

 

typically valves will recede up into the cylinder head, causing insufficient valve clearance. (or tighten up) restoring proper valve clearance not only provides a positive seat/valve seal, but more importantly, it restores the proper amount of "cooling time" for the valve face. This is extremely important for the exhaust valves of our hard working engines. IF I KNEW the valve clearances were set right, and is having no other issues, I would drive it for awhile and recheck the valve clearances. If they have not moved significantly, I would look more into the fuel injection system. Possibly a worn injector tip causing a slight fuel knock..

 

OK, now I don't feel stupid

Thanks