3208 CAT Engine Locating Top Center Compression Position For No.

1 Piston
No.1 piston on the compression stroke at top center (TDC) is the reference point for all timing procedures.

INSTALLING BOLT 1. 1D4539 Bolt, 5/16"-18NC, 2.5 in. (63.5 mm) long. 2. Timing hole. 3. Hole.

Remove the plug from timing hole (2) in the front cover and insert a 5/16"-18NC bolt (1), 2.5 in. (63.5 mm) long. The cover retaining bolt from hole (3) may be used. Turn the crankshaft CLOCKWISE (as viewed from front of engine) until bolt (1) threads into the camshaft drive gear. Remove the right side valve cover (the two valves at the right front of the engine are the inlet and exhaust valves for No.1 cylinder). The intake and exhaust valves of No.1 cylinder should now be closed and timing pointer should align with TDC-1 mark on pulley or damper. The No.1 piston is now positioned at top center on the compression stroke.

Checking Valve Lash Adjustment

Check valve lash adjustment within the first 80 hours and every 1000 hours thereafter. Check valve lash adjustment every six months regardless of hours. To check and adjust valve lash, use the following procedure: 1. Remove the valve covers. 2. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise (as viewed from the front of the engine) until No.1 piston is at top center on the compression stroke. The TDC-1 mark on the damper should align with the timing pointer. 3. Adjust the intake and exhaust valve lash for cylinders No.1 and No.2. Loosen locknut (1) and adjust valve lash with adjusting screw (2).

4. After adjustment is complete, hold adjusting screw (2) and tighten locknut (1) to 24 5 lb. ft. (3.3 0.7 mkg). Recheck the adjustment. 5. Rotate the crankshaft 180 clockwise (as viewed from the front of the engine). The VS mark on the damper should align with the timing pointer. Adjust the intake and exhaust valve lash for cylinders No.7 and No.3. NOTE: Engines that do not have the VS mark stamped on the damper or pulley should be marked with chalk 180 from the TDC-1 mark.

ADJUSTING VALVE LASH 1. Locknut. 2. Adjusting screw.

6. Rotate the crankshaft 180 clockwise (as viewed from the front of the engine). The TDC-1 mark on the damper should align with the timing pointer. Adjust the intake and exhaust valve lash for cylinders No.4 andNo.5.

TIGHTENING LOCKNUT

7. Rotate the crankshaft 180 clockwise (as viewed from the front of the engine). The VS mark on the damper should align with the timing pointer. Adjust the intake and exhaust valve lash for cylinders No.6 and No.8.

FIRING ORDER 1-2-7-3-4-5-6-8

CYLINDER AND VALVE LOCATION

Frequent need for valve lash adjustment may indicate unusual wear elsewhere in the engine, and should be investigated and corrected to prevent more serious engine damage. Insufficient lash, if not corrected, may cause rapid wear of the camshaft and cam followers.

Rapid valve lash close up may indicate valve seat recession. Causes of valve seat recession include defective fuel nozzles, continuous operation in a lug condition, partially blocked air inlet or dirty air filters, high rack setting, or engine misapplication. Excessive lash will cause undue stress throughout the valve train. If not corrected, excessive lash may result in broken valve stems, push rods, or spring retainers. Rapid valve lash increase may indicate camshaft and cam follower wear, rocker arm anvil wear, bent pushrods, lash adjusting screw backing out (locknut not tightened) or breakage of the socket on the upper end of the push rod. Rapid wear of the camshaft and cam followers is usually a sign of oil contamination, and repair should include an investigation for fuel dilution or dirt in the lubricating oil.