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Product: EXCAVATOR
Model: 320D2 EXCAVATOR DFM00587
Configuration: 320D2 Excavator DFM00001-UP (MACHINE) POWERED BY C7.1 Engine
Testing and Adjusting
C7.1 (Mech) Engines for Caterpillar Built Machines
Media Number -UENR0673-09 Publication Date -01/06/2015 Date Updated -17/07/2018
i06972473
Engine Valve Lash - Inspect/Adjust
SMCS - 1102-025
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 valve
If 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 lash
If 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
NOTICE
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
1. Remove the valve mechanism cover. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Valve Mechanism
Cover - Remove" for the removal procedure.
2. 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 has not completely closed. The
engine is now at TC compression stroke.
Table 2
Rotate the crankshaft until inlet valve has opened and Set valve lash for the following :
the exhaust valve has not completely closed.
Inlet valves Exhaust valve
"(Cylinder "(Cylinder
number)" number)"
1 2
11 and 12
(1) (1)
9 10
3 and 4
(5) (5)
5 6
7 and 8
(3) (3)
11 12
1 and 2
(6) (6)
3 4
9 and 10
(2) (2)
7 8
5 and 6
(4) (4)
3. See illustration 3. Measure the valve lash on inlet valve (1) and exhaust valve (2). If necessary,
adjust the valve lash to the settings in Table 1. Complete the sequence of checks according to
Table 2 until all the cylinders have been checked or adjusted.
a. Loosen the valve adjustment screw locknut that is on the adjustment screw (1).
b. Place an appropriate feeler gauge (2) between the rocker arm and the valve. Turn the
adjustment screw (1) while the valve adjustment screw locknut is being held from
turning. Adjust the valve lash until the correct specification is achieved.
c. After each adjustment, tighten the valve adjustment screw locknut while you hold the
valve adjustment screw (1) from turning.
4. Install the valve mechanism cover. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Valve Mechanism
Cover - Install" for the installation procedure.
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