Detroit Diesel — Engine Gear Train Installation and Timing
Repair & overhaul
From a Detroit Diesel service manual — check it applies to your exact model before use.
Before you start
- J-47487 should come off the gear with ease; if not, gears are not timed.
Procedure
- Coat inside of gears, bushings and gear train with clean oil.
- Install the crankshaft gear on the crankshaft.
- Rotate crankshaft to TDC No. 1; install and lock Crankshaft TDC Locating Tool (J-48630).
- Install spindle and idler gear No. 5 (Shoulder Bolt J-47486); torque two bolts to 60-65 N·m.
- Install spindle and Installation Cantilever tool (J-47487) onto idler gear No. 3; snug bolts.
- Check gear lash between idler gear No. 3 and No. 5 (0.079 - 0.305 mm).
- Torque idler gear No. 3 to 60-65 N·m.
- Install spindle/gear plate and idler gear No. 2; torque to 100 N·m.
- Install thrust washers, spindle and idler gear No. 1; torque to 100 N·m.
- On DD15, install thrust washer, spindle and idler gear No. 4; torque to 100 N·m.
- Remove tool J-47487; verify idler gears flush with crankshaft gear.
- Install camshaft housing, lubricate journals, install camshafts; align gear marks with timing tool.
- Install seven camshaft caps and the thirty bolts; torque M10 bolts to 20 N·m then 50-55 N·m, M8 bolts to 30 N·m.
- Remove timing tools; install closing cover with two bolts torqued to 30 N·m.
Tools required
- J-48630 Crankshaft TDC Locating Tool Amazon
- J-47486 Shoulder Bolt Amazon
- J-47487 Installation Cantilever tool Amazon
- W470589054000 / W470589104000 / W470589034000 Camshaft Timing Tool
Tool links are Amazon searches (affiliate links); manufacturer special tools may only be available from a dealer.
Specs & values
- Idler gear No. 5 bolts: 60-65 N·m (44-48 lb·ft)
- Idler gear No. 3 final torque: 60-65 N·m (44-48 lb·ft)
- Idler gear No. 1, No. 2, No. 4: 100 N·m (73 lb·ft)
- Gear lash idler No. 3 to No. 5: 0.079 - 0.305 mm
Source: Detroit Diesel service manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.