ENGINE AR-COMPLETE 1736236 - Caterpillar

To prevent possible injury, do not use the starter to turn the flywheel. Hot engine components can cause burns. Allow additional time for the engine to cool before measuring valve clearance.
Illustration 1 g00939480
Cylinder and valve location
(A) Inlet valve
(B) Exhaust valveIf the valve lash requires adjustment several times in a short time period, excessive wear exists in a different part of the engine. Find the problem and make necessary repairs to prevent more damage to the engine.Not enough valve lash can be the cause of rapid wear of the camshaft and valve lifters. Not enough valve lash can indicate that the seats for the valves are worn.Valves become worn due to the following causes:
Fuel injection nozzles that operate incorrectly
Excessive dirt and oil are present on the filters for the inlet air.
Incorrect fuel settings on the fuel injection pump.
The load capacity of the engine is frequently exceeded.Too much valve lash can cause broken valve stems, springs, and spring retainers. Too much valve lash can be an indication of the following problems:
Worn camshaft and valve lifters
Worn rocker arms
Bent pushrods
Broken socket on the upper end of a pushrod
Loose adjustment screw for the valve lashIf the camshaft and valve lifters show rapid wear, look for fuel in the lubrication oil or dirty lubrication oil as a possible cause.Valve Lash Check
An adjustment is NOT NECESSARY if the measurement of the valve lash is in the acceptable range. Check the valve lash while the engine is stopped. The temperature of the engine does not change the valve lash setting.If the measurement is not within the acceptable clearance, adjustment is necessary. Refer to "Valve Lash Adjustment".Valve Lash Adjustment
It is important to follow this valve lash adjustment procedure. Do not use the traditional opposing cylinders method. Failure to follow the correct procedure may result in serious engine damage.
Note: The procedure to adjust the engine valve lash for the engine is different from conventional engines, due to the altered valve opening and closing events.
Table 1
Inlet Valves Exhaust Valves
Valve Lash 0.35 mm (0.014 inch) 0.45 mm (0.018 inch)
Firing Order 1-5-3-6-2-4(1)
(1) The No. 1 Cylinder is at the front of the engine.Note: For new engines, the valve lash should be checked and reset after the first 500 hours and after the next 500 hours. The valve lash will then be checked at service intervals of 1000 hours.
Illustration 2 g00323903
Setting the valve lash
(1) Adjustment screw
(2) Feeler gauge
Accidental engine starting can cause injury or death to personnel.To prevent accidental engine starting, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and place a do not operate tag at the ignition switch location.
Illustration 3 g06183822
Typical example
Remove the valve mechanism cover. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Valve Mechanism Cover - Remove" for the removal procedure.
Rotate the crankshaft in the direction of engine rotation until the inlet valve of the No. 6 cylinder has opened and the exhaust valve of the No. 6 cylinder