Tractor Repair: International 444 Timing Procedure, exhaust stroke, compression stroke

Question
Hi, we are working on an IH 444 in the UK. It stopped firing a few weeks ago. We had the pump stripped and overhauled and the injectors checked. A mechanic checked the engine timing was set correctly but we are not sure of this. The pump has been removed a second time to double check but they say it is OK. Basically the pump guy says the timing is out and the timing guy says the pump is faulty. When the engine is turned it throws out a lot of black smoke but will not fire. Can you outline the procedure for setting the engine timing please? Thank you, I promise to read the reply!
Regards
Kenny

Answer
Hello,

  The timing should be set at 16 degrees before top dead center with number 1 cylinder on compresssion stroke.  There is a timing window on the side of the pump, and timing marks under a cover on the clutch housing.  Remove the cover from the timing window, and turn the engine in the normal direction of rotation until the marks in the timing window line up.  The pointer in the clutch housing should be on the 16 degree mark.  If not, loosen the pump mounting bolts and rotate the pump until they line up at 16 degree mark.  There is a line scribed on the pump mounting flange where it mounts onto the engine, and 2 lines on the front engine plate.  Normally, the line on the pump will be in the middle between the 2 lines on the engine.  If there is lots of black smoke, then obviously it is getting plenty of fuel to the injectors.  Possibly the timing is off by 180 degrees, meaning that the number 1 cylinder may have been at the top of the exhaust stroke rather than the compression stroke when the pump was installed.  To verify, you would need to remove the valve cover and see if both push rods and rocker arms are loose on number one cylinder when the timing marks are aligned.  If not, then it is at the top of the exhaust stroke.  The pump would have to be removed and the engine turned one complete revolution until the timing mark in the clutch housing lines up again.  Now both push rods and rocker arms on number 1 cylinder should be loose, meaning you are on compression stroke.  Then the pump should be installed again with the marks in the timing window aligned.