lets talk about engines!

[Randy Dupree]

hey ,all you gearheads,lets talk about your engines!
Randy

[kgallender]

I just bought an 84 FC 35 RB with 72,000 miles. I was concerned about needing the valves adjusted since it appears that the valve covers had never been opened.

I spoke with a friend of mine who is well familiar with the 3208. He has three of them, two are on 200KW generators and the third is on an excavator. The generators have over 11,000 hours on them and the excavator has over 16,000 hours. He says he has never touched the engines other than changing oil and filters. His opinion for my engine was as long it was running good and not smoking, leave it alone other than changing oil and filters.

I would like to hear what other owners think............Ken

[patticake]

Ken,
When I had my FC, I had my valves adjusted "just for peace of mind". It ran quieter
and smoother. There are pros and cons on the subject.
Steve Gureasko
90 WLWB40 Jus Chillin
Ponchatoula, La.

[NH Bill]

Our newly acquired 83 FC 35 is about to turn 75K (1963 hours). Outside of the initial adjustment I do not think a valve lash has been done. It runs great. No smoke and the CAT mechanic who inspected it said it sounds good too. At the same time he said it was probably a good idea to pull the covers and check it for overhead adjustment.

The CAT Operation and Maintenance Manual that came with my coach is very specific about when a valve lashing should be done. Page 23 Engine Valve Lash "Note: Check and adjust at the first oil change interval. Then Every 1200 Service Hours or One Year." This does not sound like optional PM to me.

This manual was published in 1983. Has the thinking changed regarding this procedure or is it wishful thinking to avoid the inconvenience of removing the doghouse to get to the valve covers?

Before I start putting on the miles, I plan to get this done.

Thanks- Bill

[rwoody]

imho

my engine the sp has only about 12000 on a factory rebuild

i ran the valves and they were all over the map

my old fc i ran them 2 times then i sold it.....

every time engine sounded better to me....

cat spec dont lie ------them equiptment mtrs dont run like the bus

i would run the overhead......

[sweeperman]

I got done seting my valves 2weekes ago 4 where out of adgustmet! do them.

[Mike Hohnstein]

Depends on how much ya like to rev on the redline. You guys who believe the old lie about how it 'don't hurt 'em to run on the gov. all day' will need to keep a closer eye on valve adjustment. Remember that dropping valves kills more engines than any thing else.
There is a reason I changed my engine cover to a 87 and up type. There have been many postings about how come it is that so many 'birds have new engines before their time. Folks might have been a little more vigilant if it weren't so **** hard to get after maintenence due to the crazy lead lined FC engine cover.

[Green_Bird]

Just got my 83 it has 114,000 on the clock but the engine has been replaced. I suspect within the last 20,000. I'm going to do the valves just for the peace of mind then start some log books to keep track of the maintenance.

[kgallender]

Typically what kind of cost can I expect to incur for getting the valves adjusted? I was told to make sure that I find a CAT mechanic for the 3208. And for those of you who have the FC and have had the valves adjusted, did you remove the dog house prior to taking it in?

Thanks a bunch for the info everyone...................Ken

[Bill Pape]

On our 88 FC, there is little room to remove the valve covers. The doghouse must be removed. If you do this yourself, this should save time & $$$.

This is a simple , easy task for any mechanic, the procedure for valve adjustment is in the 3208 operating manual. You may be able to perform the task yourself.