Detroit Diesel — Exhaust Valve Clearance Adjustment (Cold Engine)
Adjustments · Exhaust valves
From a Detroit Diesel service manual — check it applies to your exact model before use.
Before you start
- Keep hands and clothing away from the engine when barring over or bumping the starter
Procedure
- Remove loose dirt from valve rocker covers and remove covers; discard gaskets and cover all drain cavities.
- Place governor speed control lever in idle position; if a stop lever is provided, secure it in stop position.
- Rotate crankshaft with barring tool J 22582 or starting motor until injector follower is fully depressed on cylinder to be adjusted.
- Loosen exhaust valve adjusting screw locknut on rocker arm.
- Place a .016" feeler gage (J 9708-01) between the end of the valve button and the pallet of the valve bridge.
- Adjust the valve adjusting screw to obtain a smooth pull on the feeler gage.
- Remove feeler gage and tighten locknut to 30-35 lb-ft (41-47 N-m) torque.
- Recheck clearance and adjust if necessary.
- Adjust and check remaining exhaust valves in the same manner.
Tools required
Tool links are Amazon searches (affiliate links); manufacturer special tools may only be available from a dealer.
Specs & values
- .016" feeler gage (cold)
- 30-35 FridayParts $14.81 KuduParts $233.00 lb-ft (41-47 N-m) locknut torque
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.