Foton 254: timing and valve clearance specs

   / Foton 254: timing and valve clearance specs #1  

D0TC0M

Silver Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2015
Messages
147
Location
NB, Canada
Tractor
Foton TE254A
I've got a KM385 (EPA) The engine has about 300hrs on it and the heads have never been torqued nor has the valve lash been checked. I took the valve cover off and measured the valve clearance and found 5 of measuring between 0.020" to 0.024" but one exhaust valve had 0.028". From what I read its supposed to be 0.011" for the intakes and 0.013" for the exhausts. Before I start setting the valves I need the cylinder bolt torque specs to re-torque the heads first.

I also want to check the fuel pump timing. I am referring to this post for the method but if someone has a better method I would be open to doing it another way.

I had a couple questions while inspection the pump.

Why are there slots on the high pressure injector lines? Mine are all installed differently and I wondering why?
Fuel Injectors Slots
ajqo9c.jpg


I believe the timing is set by slacking the pump bolts and moving the whole pump within the slots right?
Pump Slots
25s94rq.jpg



I believe the first mark is TDC and the second mark is the pump timing mark right?
Flywheel Timing Marks
mmqssm.jpg
 
   / Foton 254: timing and valve clearance specs #2  
The nuts on each must never be loosen. They are set on a special bench test to calibrate the three plungers at the same volume of fuel.

The timing should be set at 18° +- 1° BTC as what I see on the KM 385 specs. It has to be check by the spill check method.
When I bought my tractor they give me all the manual (even the one in Chinese) do you have the Laidong operation manual?

Here what it look like


When rotating the engine (clockwise on front) (and never forget to pull the stop lever) the first mark is the Fire mark then the second is the TDC mark. Injection begin before Top Center, in this case 18°.

I never open the bell housing timing cover plate but the mark look's close together for 18° vs diameter of flywheel. I maybe wrong too.

Jacques :)
 
   / Foton 254: timing and valve clearance specs
  • Thread Starter
#3  
The nuts on each must never be loosen. They are set on a special bench test to calibrate the three plungers at the same volume of fuel.
I assume your talking about the nuts in my first image above?

The timing should be set at 18ー +- 1ー BTC as what I see on the KM 385 specs. It has to be check by the spill check method.
Is this the same method described in post #11 in this thread? Also I can you confirm that the timing is adjusted by turning the pump via the nuts in my second image above?


When I bought my tractor they give me all the manual (even the one in Chinese) do you have the Laidong operation manual?
I only have the service manual for the tractor and the engine section isn't in it but I will try to get one. Thanks for photocopy of your manual. Do you have the torque specs for the cylinder heads and the rocker assembly nuts?


When rotating the engine (clockwise on front) (and never forget to pull the stop lever) the first mark is the Fire mark then the second is the TDC mark. Injection begin before Top Center, in this case 18ー.
Why should you also pull the stop lever? I've rotated the engine at least 10 times while inspecting the clutch.


I never open the bell housing timing cover plate but the mark look's close together for 18ー vs diameter of flywheel. I maybe wrong too.
So if your correct than in my picture above the timing mark descriptions are reversed?

BTW what is valve sinkage?

Thanks as always for the help :)
 
Last edited:
   / Foton 254: timing and valve clearance specs #4  
Yes, the nuts holding the barrel and plungers.

Yes, timing is acheve by rotating the entire pump.



Not much time now , one uncle come to check a check engine light.

:)
 
   / Foton 254: timing and valve clearance specs
  • Thread Starter
#5  
Thanks for replying. When you get more time could you check for the torque of the rocker shaft nuts. No rush.
 
   / Foton 254: timing and valve clearance specs #6  
Hello Dotcom,

There is nothing about rocker arm torq in the manual.

For the rocker arm torq, you can use a standard bolt torq chart that can be found on the net. Or just use your common sense and it will be very good also.

Jacques :)
 
   / Foton 254: timing and valve clearance specs
  • Thread Starter
#7  
I never open the bell housing timing cover plate but the mark look's close together for 18° vs diameter of flywheel. I maybe wrong too.

Jacques :)

I found another mark a little further away so you seem to be right that the marks seemed too close. I have 3 marks both on my crankshaft pulley and 3 marks on the flywheel. Jacques do you know what each is?

FLYWHEEL
2zhmi9u.jpg


CRANKSHAFT PULLEY
2vwej2e.jpg
 
   / Foton 254: timing and valve clearance specs #8  
I would definitely torque the head bolts and set the valves. These engines have fragile head gaskets, improperly torqued head bolts will cause it to start leaking in no time. It's supposed to be done after 50 hours. Valves need to be adjusted after torquing the head. My engine starts easier and runs smoother when the valves are set right.

I wouldn't touch the injection timing unless the engine is running poorly and you have reason to believe the timing is the issue.
 
   / Foton 254: timing and valve clearance specs
  • Thread Starter
#9  
I wouldn't touch the injection timing unless the engine is running poorly and you have reason to believe the timing is the issue.
The previous owner worked on the injection pump high pressure piping to fix a leak. I just wanted to verify it to make sure it was within spec. Also I want to verify the spray pattern and popping pressure of my injectors. I have everything apart and I'm going through it with a fine tooth comb while I have the time. The tractor just needs to be ready for November for snow plowing so I am taking my time and learning as I go. :)

I did re-torque the head bolts to 125ft/lbs and torqued the rocker bolts wrist tight and adjusted the valves. My valves were out quite a bit I'm sure I'll notice a difference. :)
 
   / Foton 254: timing and valve clearance specs #10  
This is what is in the manual about timing.


They talk about a 10° and on the other page of specs. they say 18°. :confused3:
I realy don't know what the 10° is.

Now, while rotating the engine CW from front the lower mark will reach the white arrow first then the second one and the last (on top of the photo) must be TDC.


My guess of the lower mark: is timing with full advance of the gear in timing cover.
Then the second mark: is the 18° timing setting.
If someone have a better understanding, just feel free to say it. I prefer the truth than a false guess.

One thing I note is the relation of distance of mark VS the diameter of where they are on, it match.

Jacques :)
 

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