Adjusting valve lash on your Cummins might sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. In this video, we’re showing you the cheater method, a simpler, faster way to set valve lash without using a timing pin or an engine barring tool. Whether you’ve got a 5.9L or 6.7L Cummins (12-valve, 24-valve, or Common Rail), this technique works across the board and can be done right in your garage with just basic tools. We’ll explain how the companion cylinder system works on an inline-six, how to spot valve overlap, and how to bar the engine using the alternator all while avoiding the tedious factory method.
You’ll also learn why valve lash matters for performance, longevity, and engine quietness, plus we’ll walk you through the exact steps to check and adjust lash with precision. We’ll show you the feeler gauge technique, give you the factory lash specs (0.010” intake / 0.020” exhaust, engine cold), and cover common misconceptions about camshaft base circles. If your Cummins is ticking like a typewriter or you’ve just never done your “overhead,” this video is for you.
Setting valve lash is one of the most overlooked maintenance items, but it can make a noticeable difference in engine smoothness, fuel economy, and valve train wear. Save time, skip the factory headache, and get your Cummins dialed in the easy way. Got questions? Drop them in the comments, the Power Driven Diesel crew is here to help.
Power Driven Diesel is a specialty performance shop engaged in the engineering and development of high-performance turbo diesel technologies.
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