Yanmar 6LP-STE valve adjustment Question

[Maye Marie]

Yanmar 6LP-STE
Does any one know the head size of the bolt that holds the crankshaft pulley onto the crank?

I need to do a valve adjustment and it is tight quarters between the front of the engine and fuel tank. I did not have any thing with me that would fit up in there to give me the size of the bolt head. I think once I have the right size I will cut down a socket that I will be able to get in there and use it to turn the motor over with.

I also see a four bolt pattern on the front of the pulley. I might be able to back the bolts out and lever an arm off of them to do the same thing. Not sure why they are there. Looking at the Yanmar engine manual it looks like it might be for mounting a belt pulley on that side. The manual does not specify enough information to clearly tell me why they are there.

If any one has already gone thru this, your information would be appreciated.

[Maye Marie]

I will answer my own question here just incase there is anyone wants to adjust their own valves.

The bolt on the pulley is a 32 metric or a 1 ¼ inch socket will work. I had to modify some tools to get the job dun. I cut the socket down in length so to make it short as possible but still go over the bolt head. The shorter length allowed me to fit the socket between the tank and engine. I was able to get my ratchet in and onto the socket. This allowed me to turn the motor over.

The rest is to follow the valve adjustment procedures in the Yanmar Service manual. The one exception, I hand made a tool to hold the valve bridge while loosened or tighten the lock nut on the adjuster. This cuts the time down in the adjustment time. Also there is less chance damaging the valve bridge. If need be I can add a picture of the tool for any one who is going to do their own work.

Also I found it is best to take the alternator off and get it out of your way. A real tight fit working between the fuel tank and engine. Be ready to swear a little getting threw the learning curve. Not an easy job. Second time around it would be much easier.

[chiefrcd]

To paraphrase Carry Grant...you're a better man than I Gunga Terry.

[jcollins]

Terry,
I echo chief. That is not a job I would undertake but if you would post some pics to help others that are handier than I, it would be a great asset to the board.

Thanks,

[mhanna]

Pictures would be great.
I have done major work on gas motors (only out of necessity though) But the diesel scares me...

Matt

[Maye Marie]

As soon as I get back to my camera will post some pictures.

Matt,
In a lot of ways a diesel is easier to work on than a gas. A lot more simple function they have to go through. You do not have the ignition or the electronics to worry about. It is not going through a variable timing or fuel mixture common with gas engines. Give it some fuel and it will run. So working on them is usually pretty basic. Just stay with suggested service and you should be ok.

I am a factory rep for construction equipment in the northeast setting up and managing our company’s dealer base. I do watch over sales and the service departments. All warrantees and or the headaches go through me. I will tell you that my experience with these motors is pretty positive as far as the Yanmar goes. I have the least amount of problems of any of the other makes and twice as many Yanmar’s in the field running. Very few problems come back with this motor.

[Maye Marie]

These are the pics of the tools to help with your valve adjustment. The socket was cut down to give room for socket and ratchet between the fuel tank and engine. The home maid tool is for holding the valve bridge for the bridge adjustment. Once you have these two tools the valve adjustment becomes a lot less difficult.

These tools could save you some time and frustration. I had cut the bridge tool from cardboard until I had what I thought would work, and then used the cardboard for a template. It took me more time to figure out what I was doing than to do the job. Hope this helps some one going down the same road.







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