C-12 Engine Caterpillar

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.

This maintenance is recommended by Caterpillar as part of a lubrication and preventive maintenance schedule in order to help provide maximum engine life.

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NOTICE
Only qualified service personnel should perform this maintenance. Consult your Cat dealer for the complete valve lash adjustment procedure. Operation of Cat engines with improper valve lash adjustments can reduce engine efficiency. This reduced efficiency could result in excessive fuel usage and shortened engine component life.

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Ensure that the engine can not 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.

Ensure that the engine is stopped before measuring the valve lash. To obtain an accurate measurement, allow the valves to cool before this maintenance is performed.

The measurement for the inlet valve lash should be 0.38 ± 0.08 mm (0.015 ± 0.003 inch). The measurement for the outlet (exhaust) valve lash should be 0.64 ± 0.08 mm (0.025 ± 0.003 inch).

Consult your Cat dealer for the valve lash adjustment procedure.