Does the 4-cylinder Foton Cummins engine have valve clearance?
4 Answers
4-cylinder Foton Cummins engine has valve clearance. Here are the detailed explanations: 1. Adjustment process: Loosen the lock nut and adjusting screw, insert a feeler gauge of the same thickness as the specified valve clearance between the valve stem and rocker arm, rotate the adjusting screw while pulling the feeler gauge back and forth until slight resistance is felt, then tighten the lock nut and recheck the clearance. If there is any change, readjustment is necessary. 2. Adjustment methods: There are two methods for adjusting valve clearance: the two-step adjustment method and the individual cylinder adjustment method. The individual cylinder adjustment method requires rotating each cylinder to its top dead center in the compression stroke before adjusting its valve clearance. It is necessary to locate the top dead center of each cylinder's compression stroke and remember the firing order of the engine. The two-step adjustment method involves adjusting all valves on the engine in two steps, which is highly efficient. No matter how many cylinders the engine has, it only requires two adjustments.
In my years of automotive repair interest, I can definitively say that the 4-cylinder Foton Cummins valves definitely have clearance. This design is to address the issue of thermal expansion during engine operation; the clearance in the cold state ensures that the valves can close tightly, otherwise thermal expansion would cause valve leakage, leading to insufficient compression, increased fuel consumption, or reduced power. For Foton Cummins diesel engines, the clearance typically needs to be checked and adjusted every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometers. This involves removing the valve cover, measuring with a feeler gauge, and then adjusting the screws to the specified width. I recommend that vehicle owners not neglect this. If the clearance is too large, noise will significantly increase; if it's too small, it may burn out the valve seat, ultimately affecting the engine's lifespan. Regular maintenance of this can also save money, as early adjustments avoid future repair costs. In short, don’t delay—it’s best to leave it to a professional workshop as part of the maintenance plan.
With years of auto repair experience, I can tell you straight—the valves in a 4-cylinder Foton Cummins definitely have clearance. Diesel engine valve systems are mechanically driven, unlike some gasoline cars that use hydraulic lifters for automatic adjustment, so this clearance must be precisely maintained. During maintenance, I always emphasize checking it every 10,000 km or so. If the gap is too small, the valves won’t seal properly and will burn; if it’s too large, you’ll hear knocking noises and experience power loss. Adjusting it is simple: open the cover, measure the gap, and turn the screws—but you’ll need professional tools. Messing with it yourself can lead to mistakes. I’ve seen many owners neglect this, leading to engine shuddering, sluggish acceleration, and ultimately doubled repair costs. My advice? Address it early. Find a reliable repair shop to service your engine regularly—it’ll extend its lifespan and save fuel.
As a driver of a Foton Cummins vehicle, I've personally experienced this issue: there's definitely valve clearance! After two years of use, the engine suddenly became very noisy, and fuel consumption increased. The mechanic checked and said the clearance was off and needed adjustment. After that, the car became much quieter and ran more powerfully. Valve clearance adjustment is part of basic maintenance, and the manual recommends doing it every 10,000 kilometers or so; neglecting it for a long time can cause valve wear and deformation, leading to starting difficulties or power loss. I think this is very important, but don't try to figure it out yourself—leave it to a professional shop to avoid complicating a simple task.
