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John Deere 4024TF281 Engine

The John Deere 4024TF281 is a PowerTech M 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder, 4-cycle, heavy-duty industrial diesel engine. It is engineered for industrial and stationary power applications, most notably heavy generator sets, commercial air compressors, and compact construction machinery. The structural blueprint features a rugged cast-iron block and an integrated, heavy-duty gear train designed to minimize vibration and operational noise. Built to deliver stable torque with high fuel efficiency, this engine incorporates hydraulic valve lifters for automatic lash adjustments and an electronic governing system to maintain precise, isochronous speed regulation under variable loads.

Valve Configuration: Overhead valves (OHV) housed within a heavy-duty cast-iron cylinder head. Actuation System: Driven by a standard camshaft via mechanical pushrods operating in tandem with hydraulic valve lifters to completely eliminate manual valve lash maintenance. Cylinder Bore: 86.0 mm (3.40 inches). Piston Stroke: 105.0 mm (4.10 inches). Total Engine Displacement: 2.44 liters (149 cubic inches). Nominal Compression Ratio: 20.5:1.

Fuel System: Direct injection (DI) configuration providing optimal thermal efficiency and crisp throttle response. Fuel Delivery: Fed via an inline mechanical fuel injection pump connected to high-pressure lines and multi-hole mechanical fuel injectors. Air Induction System: Single-stage exhaust gas turbocharger to optimize volumetric efficiency. Fuel Governing: Supervised by an electronic governor module tasked with executing rapid, precise changes to fuel delivery to maintain steady-state engine frequency. Pre-filtration Strategy: Utilizes a dedicated primary water separator and spin-on fuel filter setup.

Lubrication System: Full-pressure lubrication system utilizing a high-capacity, crankshaft-driven internal oil pump. Oil Filtration: Equipped with a single, high-efficiency spin-on oil filter element. Service Interval: 500 operating hours or every 12 months, whichever comes first under standard operating conditions. Cooling System: Liquid-cooled, forced-circulation system powered by a heavy-duty, belt-driven centrifugal water pump. Thermostat Operation: Regulated by a wax-pellet thermostat engineered to initiate opening at 89C (192F) and achieve full opening at 100C (212F).

General Technical Data

Engine Specifications

Engine Model ............... John Deere 4024TF281 PowerTech 2.4L
Engine Type ............... 4-cycle inline 4-cylinder direct injection liquid-cooled diesel
Number of Cylinders ............... 4
Cylinder Arrangement ............... In-line
Engine Bore, in (mm) ............... 3.40 (86.0)
Engine Stroke, in (mm) ............... 4.10 (105.0)
Displacement, cu.in (L) ............... 149 (2.44)
Rated Power, hp (kW) ............... 43-49 (32-36.4)
Rated Speed, rpm ............... 1800-2500
Peak Torque ............... 155 lb-ft (210 Nm) at 1440-1800 rpm
Idle Speed ............... 950-1050 rpm
Aspiration Type ............... Turbocharged
Operating Speed ............... 1800 rpm
Compression Ratio ............... 20.0:1
Firing Order ............... 1-3-4-2
Cylinder Block Type ............... Heavy-duty cast iron parent bore design
Cylinder Head Type ............... Single-piece cast iron overhead valve style
Lubrication System ............... Full-pressure internal oil passage circuit
Oil Pump Type ............... Crankshaft gear-driven internal rotary mechanical style
Oil Filter Type ............... Full-flow spin-on cartridge oil treatment housing
Cooling System ............... Liquid-cooled positive circulation bypass system
Water Pump Type ............... Belt-driven centrifugal heavy flow cooling pump
Air Cleaner Type ............... Dry dual-stage heavy duty mechanical media safety filter
Starting System ............... Electric starter heavy load engagement solenoid
Electrical System ............... 12V

Fuel System

Fuel Injection Pump Type ............... Mechanical unit with integrated governor system
Fuel System Classification ............... Direct injection mechanical high pressure
Governor Type ............... Mechanical governor speed control linkage mechanism
Governor Regulation ............... Internal mechanical flyweight percentage droop regulation
Fuel Filter Type ............... Spin-on primary water separator filter element
Fuel Transfer Pump Type ............... Mechanical plunger style self priming fuel delivery block
Fuel Injection Timing ............... Static plunger stroke reference crankshaft degree marker
Injection Pressure, psi (bar) ............... 3625-4350 (250-300)
Fuel Delivery Pressure, psi (bar) ............... 4.4-8.7 (0.3-0.6)
Recommended Fuel Grade ............... Ultra low sulfur diesel fuel standard distillation oil
Fuel Specific Gravity Reference ............... 0.853 reference index rating base indicator level
Maximum Fuel Inlet Temperature, F (C) ............... 104 (40.0)
Fuel Injection Nozzle Type ............... Multi-hole micro orifice mechanical spray tip needle
Fuel Tank Vent Requirement ............... Free breathing open atmospheric tank balance system

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Engine Length, in (mm) ............... 26.1 (660)
Overall Engine Width, in (mm) ............... 22.3 (565)
Overall Engine Height, in (mm) ............... 30.4 (770)
Dry Engine Weight, lb (kg) ............... 553 (251)
Wet Engine Weight, lb (kg) ............... 591 (268)

Maintenance Data

Service Information

Oil Pressure at Low Idle, psi (bar) ............... 15.0 (1.0)
Oil Pressure at High Idle, psi (bar) ............... 50.0-65.0 (3.4-4.5)
Maximum Oil Temperature Range, F (C) ............... 239 (115.0)
Standard Coolant Temperature, F (C) ............... 180-203 (82.0-95.0)
Thermostat Initial Opening Temperature, F (C) ............... 180 (82.0)
Thermostat Full Open Temperature, F (C) ............... 203 (95.0)
Cooling System Pressure Cap, psi (kPa) ............... 10.0 (69.0)
Intake Valve Clearance, Cold, in (mm) ............... 0.0140 (0.356)
Exhaust Valve Clearance, Cold, in (mm) ............... 0.0180 (0.457)

Engine Oil and Coolant

Engine Oil Type .................. SAE 10W-30, SAE 15W-40, or JD Plus-50
API Service Classifications ......................... CI-4 or CJ-4
Engine Oil Capacity, qt (L) ............... 6.9 (6.5)
Cooling System Capacity, qt (L) ............... 15.5 (14.7)

Service Intervals

Change oil and filter ............... Every 500 hours
Inspect air cleaner ............... Every 250 hours
Replace air cleaner ............... Every 1000 hours
Replace fuel filter ............... Every 500 hours
Valve clearance adjustment ............... Every 2000 hours
Fuel system inspection ............... Every 1000 hours
Change coolant ............... Every 2000 hours
Compression test ............... Every 1000 hours
Clean radiator core ............... Every 250 hours
Inspect belt tension ............... Every 250 hours

Service Specifications

Cylinder Bore Inside Diameter, in (mm) ............... 3.3858-3.3866 (86.000-86.022)
Cylinder Bore Maximum Out of Round, in (mm) ............... 0.0020 (0.050)
Crankshaft Main Journal Diameter standard, in (mm) ............... 2.7543-2.7551 (69.960-69.980)
Main Bearing Journal Clearance, in (mm) ............... 0.0014-0.0033 (0.035-0.085)
Connecting Rod Journal Diameter, in (mm) ............... 2.2031-2.2039 (55.960-55.980)
Connecting Rod Bearing Journal Clearance, in (mm) ............... 0.0014-0.0033 (0.035-0.085)
Connecting Rod Big End Side Play, in (mm) ............... 0.0031-0.0118 (0.080-0.300)
Crankshaft End Play, in (mm) ............... 0.0010-0.0140 (0.025-0.356)
Connecting Rod Small End Bushing Bore I.D, in (mm) ............... 1.2598-1.2606 (32.000-32.020)
Connecting Rod Big End Bore Bore I.D, in (mm) ............... 2.3228-2.3236 (59.000-59.020)
Crankshaft Main Bearing Bore Inner Diameter, in (mm) ............... 2.9528-2.9537 (75.000-75.025)
Piston Skirt Outer Diameter, in (mm) ............... 3.3815-3.3827 (85.890-85.920)
Piston to Cylinder Wall Clearence, in (mm) ............... 0.0031-0.0051 (0.080-0.130)
Piston Pin Outer Diameter, in (mm) ............... 1.1807-1.1811 (29.990-30.000)
Piston Pin to Con Rod Bushing Clearance, in (mm) ............... 0.0004-0.0016 (0.010-0.040)
Piston Pin Bore to Piston Pin Clearance, in (mm) ............... 0.0001-0.0005 (0.003-0.013)
Top Ring Groove Width, in (mm) ............... 0.0807-0.0815 (2.050-2.070)
Second Ring Groove Width, in (mm) ............... 0.0807-0.0815 (2.050-2.070)
Oil Ring Groove Width, in (mm) ............... 0.1594-0.1602 (4.050-4.070)
Top Ring Side Gap, in (mm) ............... 0.0028-0.0043 (0.070-0.110)
Second Ring Side Gap, in (mm) ............... 0.0016-0.0031 (0.040-0.080)
Oil Ring Side Clearance, in (mm) ............... 0.0012-0.0028 (0.030-0.070)
Top Ring End Gap, in (mm) ............... 0.0098-0.0157 (0.250-0.400)
Second Ring End Gap, in (mm) ............... 0.0138-0.0217 (0.350-0.550)
Oil Ring End Gap, in (mm) ............... 0.0098-0.0197 (0.250-0.500)
Cylinder Head Deck Base Surface Flatness, in (mm) ............... 0.0020 (0.050)
Intake Valve Stem to Guide Clearance, in (mm) ............... 0.0012-0.0028 (0.030-0.070)
Exhaust Valve Stem to Guide Clearance, in (mm) ............... 0.0016-0.0031 (0.040-0.080)
Intake Valve Head Face Depth, in (mm) ............... 0.0236-0.0354 (0.600-0.900)
Exhaust Valve Head Face Depth, in (mm) ............... 0.0236-0.0354 (0.600-0.900)
Intake Valve Head Thickness, in (mm) ............... 0.0394 (1.000)
Exhaust Valve Head Thickness, in (mm) ............... 0.0394 (1.000)
Intake Valve Seat Angle, Degrees ............... 45
Exhaust Valve Seat Angle, Degrees ............... 45
Valve Spring Free Length, in (mm) ............... 1.9291 (49.000)
Camshaft Journal Outer Diameter, in (mm) ............... 1.9665-1.9673 (49.950-49.970)
Camshaft Bearing Journal Clearance, in (mm) ............... 0.0016-0.0037 (0.040-0.095)
Camshaft End Play, in (mm) ............... 0.0024-0.0071 (0.060-0.180)
Cam Lobe Height (Intake), in (mm) ............... 1.5748-1.5827 (40.000-40.200)
Cam Lobe Height (Exhaust), in (mm) ............... 1.5748-1.5827 (40.000-40.200)
Rocker Arm Shaft to Bushing Clearance, in (mm) ............... 0.0006-0.0024 (0.015-0.060)

Tightening Torques

Cylinder Head Bolt (Step One), lb-ft (Nm) ............... 44 (60.0)
Cylinder Head Bolt (Step Two), lb-ft (Nm) ............... 81 (110.0)
Cylinder Head Bolt (Step Three), lb-ft (Nm) ............... 81 (110.0)
Main Bearing Cap Screw (Step One), lb-ft (Nm) ............... 37 (50.0)
Main Bearing Cap Screw (Step Two), lb-ft (Nm) ............... 74 (100.0)
Connecting Rod Cap Bolt (Step One), lb-ft (Nm) ............... 22 (30.0)
Connecting Rod Cap Bolt (Step Two), lb-ft (Nm) ............... 52 (70.0)
Flywheel to Crankshaft Rear Mount Bolt, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 85 (115.0)
Flywheel Housing to Cylinder Block Screw, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 37 (50.0)
Crankshaft Front Pulley Damper Hub Bolt, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 125 (170.0)
Camshaft Thrust Plate Flange Screw Bolt, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 18 (24.0)
Camshaft Drive Timing Gear Face Bolt, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 59 (80.0)
Rocker Arm Shaft Carrier Support Hold Nut, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 26 (35.0)
Valve Adjusting Screw Lock Nut, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 15 (20.0)
Rocker Arm Valve Mechanism Cover Bolt, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 8 (11.0)
Oil Pan Sump Lower Fluid Reservoir Bolt, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 18 (24.0)
Oil Pan Fluid Drain Plug, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 37 (50.0)
Exhaust Manifold Mounting Bolt, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 26 (35.0)
Air Intake Manifold Port Header Screw, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 18 (24.0)
Turbocharger Charger Exhaust Flange Nut, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 33 (45.0)
Fuel Injection Pump Housing Flange Mount Nut, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 18 (24.0)
Fuel High Pressure Supply Pipe Connection Nut, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 22 (30.0)
Fuel Injector Assembly Clamping Bracket Bolt, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 22 (30.0)
Fuel Injection Leak Off Spill Line Joint Bolt, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 8 (11.0)
Water Pump Casing Housing Assembly Bolt, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 18 (24.0)
Thermostat Outer Water Outlet Port Flange Bolt, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 18 (24.0)
Lubricating Oil Cooler Housing Mounting Screw, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 18 (24.0)
Oil Pump Assembly Core Mounting Inner Screw, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 8 (11.0)
Oil Pressure Relief Valve Assembly Plug, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 33 (45.0)
Oil Suction Pipe Screen Support Bolt, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 8 (11.0)
Alternator Carrier Bracket Main Frame Bolt, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 33 (45.0)
Starter Motor Gear Face Mounting Bolt, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 59 (80.0)
Coolant Temperature Sensor Module Switch Plug, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 15 (20.0)
Oil Pressure Sensor Tracking Switch, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 11 (15.0)
Crankcase Ventilation Breather Body Screw, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 8 (11.0)
Front Gear Timing Cover Case Assembly Bolt, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 18 (24.0)
Rear Crankshaft Oil Seal Carrier Housing Bolt, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 8 (11.0)
Flywheel Housing Timing Inspection Hole Cover Plug, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 5 (7.0)
Fan Drive Pulley Assembly Adapter Hub Mounting Bolt, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 33 (45.0
Glow Plug Cold Start Aid Element Threaded Sleeve, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 11 (15.0)

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