Halden wrote: ↑Fri Dec 13, 2024 5:34 pm How good is your compression? It seems like you've got your timing dialed in, and the CSD defaults to advancing the timing, unless somehow it's stuck off which would be unusual... Have you checked your valve lash? That can have a huge impact. Especially if you don't compensate for the wear on the rockers. Even my truck with crappy compression at altitude starts relatively easily in the winter, and I got rid of the CSD on it.
How bad is your compression?
I had
Compression Test video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn-Lgf6CiOk
Results:
#1 ~370
#2 ~400
#3 ~370
#4 ~350
I did try doing a valve lash adjustment but did not notice much difference if any. Did not look at wear on rockers though.
I did have a CSD issue causing low power at speed but I rebuilt that.
Honestly I think it’s just a Smokey engine with lots of blow by and not great enough compression to cold start without help.
My guess is ether use by the shop put it over the edge after they fully advanced the timing.