GUIDE AS-GAUGE 1631659 - Caterpillar

D346, D348, D349, 3208 (Turbocharged),
3400 Series And 3500 Series Industrial And Marine EnginesReference: Engine News, May 25, 1977, Page 3.The article "Correct Installation Of Valve Lifters On The Camshaft Is Very Important To Prevent Failures", tells about valve lifter wear and installation of new valve lifters in all engines. The information in that article is primarily for engines equipped only with solid type lifter followers. It is not completely correct for engines equipped with camshaft rollers and followers.
The above engines are equipped with roller followers. When a camshaft in one of the above engines is replaced for reasons other than wear against a roller follower, it is often possible to reuse a roller follower with the new camshaft. This can lower the cost of a repair. Many times there is no indication of a wear pattern on a roller because of its design. Roller followers that are in good condition can be used again when a new camshaft is installed. Before the roller followers are installed, check these items first:
1. Check for excessive movement in the roller and shaft. Make a comparison to other rollers or new parts.2. Check for surface damage. No surface defects or smeared material are permitted.3. Check the wear pattern. If the wear pattern is not typical in comparison to the other roller followers, do not use the roller follower again. If the respective lobe on the former camshaft had excessive (too much) wear or damage, do not use the roller follower again, even if only a slight wear pattern can be seen. Visual wear patterns are normal, but if they can not be felt with the fingernail or fingertip, and if the original camshaft has no wear, use the roller follower again.