The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 1952 GMC 750 Cannonball diesel help

Hello everyone we love this form. I recently purchased my dad a 1952 GMC 750 Cannonball with an Automotive Industries sleeper, 4-71 Detroit with a 5 speed / 2 speed rear. We got her running yesterday after sitting for 20+ years but the engine will need some adjustment.

Does anyone have any idea how to adjust the injection timing. We have an old big truck motors manual we are trying to dig up but cant find it as of now .....Shes a bit of a white smoker.

Thanks for all the help.

I would suggest going to eBay and buying a Motor's truck repair manual anywhere from the 5th edition to about the 11th edition. The 5th edition was published in 1952. Past the 11th edition will start to phase out the 1952 models. The manuals are cheap and are actually better then the factory manuals. What you are asking would require too much to answer in this forum and The Motor's manual will explain what you want to know with illustrations.

Without getting deep into the engine, about the only injection adjustment you can do on a Detroit is "setting the rack". There's a torque tube under the valve cover that moves the injector fuel racks in and out. If you loosen the two setscrews that attach the throttle levers to the torque tube, you can be sure that all the injectors reach their full throttle position at the same time. Leave one lever rigid, and adjust the other three so all of them reach full travel at the same time. There's also a idle speed adjustment, a "high idle" (full RPM) adjustment, and a spring loaded "buffer screw" that determines how much RPM the idle speed varies.

Until a Detroit gets fully warmed up, it's not uncommon to get quite a bit of white smoke. Be sure to slam about three fingers in the door before you get into the truck to go anywhere- - - - - -that makes you good and mad and you'll drive it wide open all day. A lugged-down Detroit won't get out of its own way!
Jerry

It’s not terribly difficult to do a tuneup on a Detroit, but you really must have a manual. Or have done it quite often and remember.
Best idea is have the manual and someone to who’s done it often walk you through it with the manual, then next time you can do it with the manual.

White smoke could be an indication of stuck rings or other troubles.
First see that it has fresh fuel and filters and the oil and coolant stay in their places, then run and work it for a while and see what clears up.

Welcome to the site. You've come to the right place! Grigg is the resident DD guru and has been a tremendous help with my truck. Sounds like a cool truck. Post some pictures when you get a chance.

Yes, please post some picture !



Tyler