HOUSING 8W8167 - Caterpillar

Note: For procedures on adjusting the valve lash and adjusting the valve bridge, see System Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Valve Lash and Valve Bridge Adjustment". Consult your Cat dealer for assistance.The initial valve lash adjustment on new engines, rebuilt engines, or remanufactured engines is recommended at the first scheduled oil change. The adjustment is necessary due to the initial wear of the valve train components and to the seating of the valve train components.
Ensure that the engine cannot be started while this maintenance is being performed. To help prevent possible injury, do not use the starting motor to turn the flywheel.Hot engine components can cause burns. Allow additional time for the engine to cool before measuring/adjusting valve lash clearance.
Valve Bridge
Check the valve bridge and adjust the valve bridge, if necessary. Perform the procedure for both valve bridges for each cylinder. After the valve bridge is checked for each cylinder, proceed with the valve lash adjustment, if necessary.Engine Valve Lash
Only qualified service personnel should perform this maintenance. Refer to the Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting Manual, "Valve Lash and Valve Bridge Adjustment" article or consult your Caterpillar dealer for the complete valve lash adjustment procedure.Operation of Caterpillar engines with improper valve adjustments can reduce engine efficiency. This reduced efficiency could result in excessive fuel usage and/or shortened engine component life.
The valve bridge adjustment must be performed before making a valve lash adjustment. If the valve lash is within the tolerance, an adjustment of the valve lash is NOT necessary.For the valve lash setting, see the engine Specifications manual. For the procedure to set the valve lash, see the engine Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting manual.