Midwest Fuel Injection
Caterpillar 3406 B
FINDING TOP CENTER COMPRESSION FOR NO. 1 PISTON
 

Tools Needed

9S9082

Turning Tool

1
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No. 1 piston at top Center (TC) on the compression stroke is the starting point of all timing procedures

NOTE: On some engines there are two threaded holes in the flywheel.  These holes are in alignment with the holes with plugs in the left and right front of the flywheel housing.  The two holes in the flywheel are at a different distance from the center of the flywheel so the timing bolt cannot be put in the wrong hole.

1. The timing bolt (1) is kept in storage at location (3) and can be installed in either the left side of the engine at location (2) or in the right side of the engine at location (4).  Remove bolts and cover from flywheel housing.  Remove the plug from the timing hole in the flywheel housing.
2. Put timing bolt (1) [long bolt that holds cover on the flywheel housing] through the timing hole in the flywheel housing.  Use the 9S9082 Engine Turning Tool and ½” drive ratchet wrench to turn the engine flywheel in the direction of normal engine rotation until the timing bolt engages with the threaded hole in the flywheel.

NOTICE: If the flywheel must be turned opposite normal engine rotation approximately 45 degrees.  Then turn the flywheel in the direction of normal rotation until the timing bolt engages with the threaded hole.  The reason for this procedure is to make sure the play is removed from the gears when the No. 1 piston is put on top center.
3. Remove the front valve cover from the engine.
4. The intake and exhaust valves fro the No. 1 cylinder are closed if No. 1 piston is on the compression stroke and the rocker arms can be moved by hand.  If the rocker arms cannot be moved and the valves are slightly open the flywheel must be turned again.  Remove the timing bolt and turn the flywheel in the direction of normal engine rotation 360° until the timing bolt can be installed.  The No. 1 piston is now in the top center compression position.