RETAINER-PIN 7E1177 - Caterpillar

You must read and understand the warnings and instructions contained in the Safety section of this manual before performing any operation or maintenance procedures.Valve Lash
Check/Adjust
Initial valve lash adjustment is recommended at the first oil change interval due to initial wear and seating of valve train components.Subsequent valve lash adjustments should be made Every 2000 Hours.This maintenance is recommended by Caterpillar as part of a lubrication and preventive maintenance schedule to provide maximum engine life.
Operation of Caterpillar engines with improper valve adjustments will reduce engine efficiency. This reduced efficiency could result in excessive fuel usage and/or shortened engine component life.Only qualified service personnel should perform this maintenance. Refer to the Service Manual or your Caterpillar dealer for the complete valve lash adjustment procedure.
Be sure the engine cannot be started while this maintenance is being performed. To 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.
Measure the valve lash with the engine stopped. In order to obtain an accurate measurement, the allow the valves to cool before performing this maintenance.Valve Rotators
When inspecting the valve rotators, protective glasses or face shield and protective clothing must be worn, to prevent being burned by hot oil or spray.
If a damaged rotator is not replaced, valve face guttering could result in pieces of the valve to fall into the cylinder. This can cause piston and cylinder head damage.
After setting the valve lash and before installing the valve covers:1. Start the engine. Follow the engine starting procedure in this manual. Operate the engine at low idle.2. Observe the top surface of each valve rotator. Each valve rotator should turn slightly each time the valve closes.If a valve fails to rotate, contact your Caterpillar dealer.Fuel Ratio Control, Set Point, and Low Idle
Check/Adjust
The fuel ratio control limits the amount of fuel provided to the cylinders during acceleration. This affects the amount of exhaust smoke. The set point check is a method for diagnosing engine performance. Slow engine response and low power indicate that a fuel control adjustment or repair is necessary.These engines are equipped with a protection group that discourages tampering with the fuel ratio control setting. This is required by emissions regulations. Standard bolts have been replaced by tamper resistant bolts.The fuel ratio control, set point, and idle speed checking and adjusting should only be performed by Caterpillar authorized service personnel. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for assistance.Fuel Injection Nozzles
Fuel injection nozzles are subject to tip wear. Tip wear, a result of fuel contamination, can cause:* increased fuel consumption* black smoke* misfire* rough runningThe fuel injection nozzles should be cleaned, inspected, tested, and replaced if necessary. Removal and InstallationSpecial tooling is required for removing and installing the fuel injection nozzles. Refer to the Service Manual for information. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for assistance.Test/Exchange
Fuel leaked or spilled onto hot surfaces or electrical components can cause a fire. To prevent possible injury, turn the start switch