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3208 Engine Valve Lash CATERPILLAR PDF
3208 Engine Valve Lash CATERPILLAR PDF
INSTALLING BOLT
1. 1D4539 Bolt, 5/16"-18NC, 2.5 in. (63.5 mm) long. 2. Timing hole. 3. Hole.
Remove the plug from timing hole (2) in the front cover and insert a 5/16"-18NC bolt (1),
2.5 in. (63.5 mm) long. The cover retaining bolt from hole (3) may be used.
Turn the crankshaft CLOCKWISE (as viewed from front of engine) until bolt (1) threads
into the camshaft drive gear.
Remove the right side valve cover (the two valves at the right front of the engine are the
inlet and exhaust valves for No.1 cylinder).
The intake and exhaust valves of No.1 cylinder should now be closed and timing pointer
should align with TDC-1 mark on pulley or damper. The No.1 piston is now positioned at
top center on the compression stroke.
NOTE: Engines that do not have the VS mark stamped on the damper or pulley should be
marked with chalk 180° from the TDC-1 mark.
6. Rotate the crankshaft 180° clockwise (as viewed from the front of the engine). The
TDC-1 mark on the damper should align with the timing pointer. Adjust the intake and
exhaust valve lash for cylinders No.4 andNo.5.
TIGHTENING LOCKNUT
7. Rotate the crankshaft 180° clockwise (as viewed from the front of the engine). The VS
mark on the damper should align with the timing pointer. Adjust the intake and exhaust
valve lash for cylinders No.6 and No.8.
FIRING ORDER
1-2-7-3-4-5-6-8
Insufficient lash, if not corrected, may cause rapid wear of the camshaft and cam followers.
Rapid valve lash close up may indicate valve seat recession. Causes of valve seat recession
include defective fuel nozzles, continuous operation in a lug condition, partially blocked air
inlet or dirty air filters, high rack setting, or engine misapplication.
Excessive lash will cause undue stress throughout the valve train. If not corrected,
excessive lash may result in broken valve stems, push rods, or spring retainers. Rapid valve
lash increase may indicate camshaft and cam follower wear, rocker arm anvil wear, bent
pushrods, lash adjusting screw backing out (locknut not tightened) or breakage of the
socket on the upper end of the push rod.
Rapid wear of the camshaft and cam followers is usually a sign of oil contamination, and
repair should include an investigation for fuel dilution or dirt in the lubricating oil.