Login to enhance your online experience. Login or Create an Account
Logo
Shopping Cart

Shopping Cart 0 Items (Empty)

Isuzu NPR NQR NPS NKR NHR N SERIES TRUCK Workshop Manual Digital Download

Tools & consumables
- Metric socket/ratchet set (6–32 mm), deep sockets for valve cover bolts and rocker shaft bolts
- Torque wrench (range to at least 120 Nm)
- Breaker bar, extensions, universal joints
- Feeler gauges (0.05–0.40 mm set) — for mechanical lash types
- Small flat screwdriver, pick, magnetic tray
- Long-nose pliers, snap-ring pliers (if removing valve keepers)
- Valve spring compressor (if removing valves/keepers)
- Shop rags, parts cleaner (degreaser), lint-free towels
- Assembly lube / moly grease
- Engine oil (fresh) and oil filter (if oil contamination likely)
- New valve cover gasket, RTV (if required)
- Replacement rocker arms, pushrods, rocker bolts/studs, rocker shaft(s), hydraulic lifters (if fitted) as required by inspection
- Threadlocker (medium strength) and anti-seize (where specified)
- Marker/paint pen or labeling tape to tag components
- Service manual for the exact N-Series engine (for torque values, lash specs, sequence)
- PPE: gloves, eye protection, hearing protection

Safety precautions
- Work on a cool engine. Hot heads/coolant = serious burn risk.
- Disconnect negative battery terminal to avoid accidental cranking or shorting.
- Relieve fuel system pressure if working near injectors or fuel lines.
- Support vehicle securely if raised (jack stands on level ground).
- Keep flames/ignition sources away — diesel and solvents are flammable.
- Organize fasteners and parts in order — misassembled valves = catastrophic engine damage.

Overview / notes before starting
- Isuzu N-Series engines can use either mechanical lash (adjusting screw) or hydraulic lash adjusters (HLA). Procedure differs: mechanical lash requires setting clearances with feeler gauges; HLAs are generally non-adjustable and are replaced/checked rather than adjusted.
- Always refer to the exact engine service manual for cam timing, cylinder TDC order, torque specs, and valve clearance specifications.
- Mark or tag any removed pushrods/rockers so they return to the same location if reusing (reduces wear mismatch).

Step‑by‑step procedure (generalized for removal, inspection, adjustment/replacement)

1) Preparation
- Park on level ground, chock wheels, engage parking brake.
- Disconnect negative battery terminal.
- Drain coolant only if removing components that will break coolant passages (usually not required just to access rockers).
- Remove engine covers/air intake as needed to access valve cover.

2) Remove valve cover
- Clean around valve cover to keep debris out of head.
- Remove any brackets, breather hoses or wiring attached to the valve cover.
- Loosen and remove valve cover bolts in a criss-cross pattern; lift cover straight up. Use a pry tool gently if stuck — avoid gouging mating surfaces.
- Inspect and set aside old gasket; plan to replace.

3) Bring engine to the correct position
- Rotate the engine by the crankshaft (socket on crank pulley) to bring cylinder 1 to TDC on the compression stroke — this is required when adjusting or reassembling valve train. Use service manual to confirm firing order and TDC procedure.
- If adjusting mechanical lash, set each cylinder to TDC compression when adjusting that cylinder’s valves.

4) Inspect rocker assembly in place
- Visually inspect rockers, pushrods, rocker shaft, cam lobes for scoring, pitting, excessive wear, broken oil holes, or looseness.
- Check oil passages for clogging. A clogged oil feed to the rocker/hla will cause noise and failure.
- Push on each rocker/pushrod to verify they move freely with smooth spring action. Bent pushrods will not sit straight in cups.

5A) Adjustment procedure — mechanical (screw-and-nut) rockers
- With the cylinder at TDC compression, use the feeler gauge to measure valve clearance between rocker screw and valve tip (or specified location).
- If out of spec, loosen locknut, back off screw, place feeler gauge, tighten screw until correct gauge drag, then lock the nut while holding the screw position. Re-check clearance after locking.
- Set lash for intake and exhaust on each cylinder per sequence in manual.
- Typical procedure: tighten locknut while holding adjustment screw, then recheck clearance. Do not over-tighten; use torque or firm wrenching as manual specifies.

5B) For hydraulic lash adjuster (HLA) systems
- HLAs are not adjustable. Remove and replace any noisy/failed lifter or rocker. Inspect oil feed and cam lobe condition.
- To replace HLAs or rocker assemblies: follow removal steps below and fit new HLAs/rockers using assembly lube; torque bolts to spec and rotate engine by hand several revolutions to allow HLAs to pump up; then re-check for noise or leakage.

6) Removal of rocker arms or rocker shaft assembly (for replacement or deep inspection)
- Label/mark components if reusing. Place a rag over the open ports to prevent debris falling into the head.
- If rockers are on a shaft: remove shaft mounting bolts in a criss-cross sequence gradually to avoid twisting. Lift shaft and rockers out as an assembly.
- If individual rockers: remove retaining bolts/nuts and lift each rocker off its stud/pivot.
- Remove pushrods carefully, keeping order. Inspect pushrods for straightness and wear at contact points (rounded ends mean replacement).
- If removing valves/springs, use valve spring compressor and keepers, mark everything.

Tool usage detail: torque wrench and feeler gauge
- Torque wrench: set required torque per spec; snug bolts in sequence first, then final torque in steps. Do not use torque wrench to initially loosen stuck bolts.
- Feeler gauge: insert blade between screw and valve tip; aim for a light drag. If it slides too easily, the gap is too large; if it cannot be inserted, gap is too small. Adjust to specified clearance.

7) Inspect components off-engine
- Rocker contact faces: check for uneven wear, pitting, cracked bosses, or broken oil feed spigots.
- Rocker pivot and shaft journals: check for scoring and ovalization. Replace shaft/rocker assembly if out-of-round.
- Cam lobes: check for flattened lobes or discoloration from overheating. Cam lobe wear usually requires cam and follower replacement.
- Hydraulic lifters: check for collapsed lifters (no plunger movement), scoring, or clogging.

8) Replace parts as required
- Replace any rocker arms, rocker shaft, pushrods, HLAs or cam followers that show wear beyond service limits. Replace valve cover gasket and any O-rings/seals disturbed.
- If replacing HLAs, pushrods, or rockers, use assembly lube on contact surfaces and on cam lobes during installation.

9) Reassembly
- Clean mating surfaces; apply new valve cover gasket.
- Reinstall rockers/pushrods in original order. If using rocker shaft, fit shaft with rockers and torque mounting bolts in specified stepped sequence.
- If mechanical adjusters: set initial pre-load if required per manual or set rough clearance then fine-adjust with feeler gauges.
- Torque all bolts to the engine manual specification (do not guess). Use threadlocker where specified.
- Reinstall valve cover and torque bolts in criss-cross pattern to spec.

10) Final checks & start-up
- Reconnect battery.
- Prime oil system if HLAs were replaced (crank engine without starting to build oil pressure—follow manual procedure; sometimes several seconds of cranking are specified).
- Start engine; listen for unusual noise. Allow to warm up and re-check valve cover area for oil leaks.
- After initial run and a cool-down, re-check bolt torques and lash where applicable (some engines require re-torquing after heat cycles).

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Not checking TDC/compression stroke for each cylinder when adjusting: results in incorrect valve lash and potential valve damage. Always confirm TDC.
- Reusing worn pushrods/rockers: they will cause premature failure; if more than light wear, replace.
- Over-tightening or under-tightening rocker shaft bolts: can distort shaft and cause binding or oil starvation. Use torque wrench and correct sequence.
- Not replacing valve cover gasket: leads to leaks onto the rocker assembly and loss of oil, causing wear.
- Cross-mixing parts: rockers and pushrods wear as matched pairs. If reusing, return parts to original positions.
- Neglecting to clean oil passages: blocked feeds cause HLAs to collapse and cam wear. Blow out passages with compressed air and ensure proper oil flow.
- Skipping assembly lube: fresh parts run dry at first crank—apply assembly lube to critical contact surfaces.
- Ignoring service manual for specs: valve clearances and torque values vary by engine and are critical.

Replacement parts typically required (based on inspection)
- Valve cover gasket and any seals disturbed
- Rocker arms, rocker shaft, mounting bolts (if worn or torque-to-yield)
- Pushrods (if scored or bent)
- Hydraulic lash adjusters (if fitted and failed)
- Valve stem seals (if removing valve springs)
- Cam followers/cups (if worn)
- New engine oil and filter if contamination suspected

Final notes
- This is a general workshop procedure for Isuzu N‑Series valve train work. Exact sequences, torque values, and clearances must come from the engine-specific service manual (4HK1, 4JJ1, etc.). Follow the manual for torques, adjustment specs, and any special procedures (timing gear locks, cam timing marks).
- If unsure about cam timing or internal timing gear removal, stop and consult the factory manual — incorrect timing will cause valve-to-piston contact and catastrophic damage.

No further questions.
rteeqp73

You Might Also Like...

Kryptronic Internet Software Solutions