Valve cover assembly for internal combustion engine

Abstract

The present application includes an apparatus including a valve cover assembly for an internal combustion engine and a method of maintenance. The valve cover assembly optionally comprises a valve cover; a base extension coupled to the valve cover and having a recess that receives at least a portion of a rocker arm therein; and an annular ring coupled to at least the base extension, the annular ring having one or more openings for passage of one or more fuel tubes into the recess to deliver one or more fuels to a fuel injector. At least one of the valve cover and the base extension is removable from the internal combustion engine without interfering with the one or more fuel tubes to provide access to the rocker arm to perform valve lash adjustment on the rocker arm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an internal combustion engine. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a valve cover assembly for an internal combustion engine. Background Art

[0002] Machines, such as agricultural, industrial, construction, or other heavy machinery, can be propelled by one or more internal combustion engines. Internal combustion engines can be used for other purposes, such as for power generation. An internal combustion engine burns a mixture of air and one or more fuels in a cylinder and thereby produces drive torque and power. An internal combustion engine can be designed to operate on gasoline fuel (wherein a spark plug initiates combustion), diesel fuel (which is compression ignited), or other fuels such as gaseous fuels. The engine can also operate by burning two different fuel types in a single combustion cycle. Using two fuels in a single combustion cycle can provide benefits by replacing a portion of a fuel that produces greater emissions or may have a higher cost with another fuel that produces fewer emissions and / or has a reduced cost.

[0003] An internal combustion engine utilizes a valve train to control the intake and exhaust of gases into and out of a combustion chamber. The valve train includes valves, rocker arms, push rods, and a camshaft that opens and closes the valves in a timed sequence. The valves are actuated by the camshaft through the rocker arms and push rods.

[0004] As part of the routine maintenance of an internal combustion engine, it is necessary to periodically adjust the valve clearance. The valve clearance refers to the small clearance between the tip of the rocker arm and the valve stem or valve bridge. This clearance is typically adjusted by turning an adjustment screw on the rocker arm. Access to the valve train components is required to perform this valve clearance adjustment.

[0005] Chinese Utility Models CN205779295U and CN204677313U and U.S. Patent No. 7US10119508B2 disclose valve cover assemblies. However, these utility models and patents do not recognize a valve cover assembly having the construction and other benefits of the manner disclosed herein. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In an example in accordance with the present disclosure, a valve cover assembly for an internal combustion engine optionally includes: a valve cover; a base extension coupled to the valve cover and having a recess therein for receiving at least a portion of a rocker arm; and a grommet at least coupled to the base extension, the grommet having one or more openings for one or more fuel tubes to pass through and enter the recess to deliver one or more fuels to a fuel injector; wherein at least one of the valve cover and the base extension is removable from the internal combustion engine without disturbing the one or more fuel tubes to provide access to the rocker arm for performing valve clearance adjustment on the rocker arm.

[0007] In another example in accordance with the present disclosure, a method of servicing a rocker arm of an internal combustion engine optionally includes: providing a valve cover assembly including a valve cover, a base extension, and a grommet that captures one or more fuel tubes connected to a fuel injector of the internal combustion engine; removing at least one of the valve cover and the base extension from the internal combustion engine without disturbing the one or more fuel tubes; performing valve clearance adjustment on the rocker arm exposed by removing at least one of the valve cover and the base extension; and reinstalling at least one of the valve cover and the base extension on the internal combustion engine.

[0008] In yet another example in accordance with the present disclosure, an internal combustion engine optionally includes: an engine block including a rocker arm chamber; a fuel injector configured to extend into the rocker arm chamber; one or more fuel tubes connected to the fuel injector for delivering one or more fuels; and a valve cover assembly configured to be mounted on the engine block, the valve cover assembly including: a valve cover; a base extension configured to be coupled to the valve cover; and a grommet configured to be at least coupled to the base extension, the grommet having one or more openings for the one or more fuel tubes to pass through to deliver one or more fuels to the fuel injector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, like numerals may describe like components in different views. Like numerals with different letter suffixes may represent different examples of like components. The drawings generally illustrate, by way of example and not limitation, the various embodiments discussed in this document.

[0010] Figure 1Is a perspective view of an exemplary internal combustion engine according to an example of the present application.

[0011] Figure 2 Is an exploded view of a valve cover assembly of an internal combustion engine according to an example of the present application.

[0012] Figure 3 Shows a perspective view of a part of an internal combustion engine including a part of a rocker cover and a part of a cylinder head according to an example of the present application, wherein the base extension of the valve cover assembly and the valve cover are removed to show the rocker arms.

[0013] Figure 4 Is a cross-sectional view of a valve cover assembly and a part of a rocker cover according to an example of the present application. Detailed Description

[0014] Examples of the present disclosure are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or use. The examples described illustrate specific components, devices, and methods to provide an understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required and the examples can be embodied in many different forms. Therefore, the examples provided should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0015] As used herein, the terms "comprise", "comprising", "having", "including", or other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Additionally, relative terms, such as, for example, "about", "substantially", "generally", and "approximately" are used to indicate a possible variation of ±10% of the stated value. The term "tube" is not limited to metal tubes but includes hoses, pipelines, or other structures and does not need to be made of metal. As used herein, "gaseous fuel" can include, for example, gaseous fuels such as natural gas, methane, butane, propane, biogas, landfill gas, hydrogen, and blends thereof. Natural gas is an exemplary gaseous fuel with various purity levels. As used herein, "natural gas" refers to pure and relatively impure forms with various amounts of methane and other components. The gaseous fuel can be provided to the intake component of an internal combustion engine in a compressed form. The gaseous fuel can be stored in a storage tank in a liquid form and converted to a gas (e.g., by heating) before being introduced into the intake component. As used herein, "liquid fuel" can include gasoline, diesel, methanol, ethanol, or any other liquid fuel.

[0016] Figure 1Depicts several parts of an internal combustion engine 100 (sometimes simply referred to as "engine" herein) according to the present disclosure. The engine 100 can be used for power generation, such as for propelling a vehicle or other machinery or for stationary power generation. The engine 100 can include various power generation platforms and can use various single fuels in dual fuels including, for example, liquid fuel and / or gaseous fuel. A stationary engine can be used to drive non-mobile equipment such as pumps, generators, manufacturing plant or factory equipment. It should be understood that the present disclosure can be applied to any number of piston-cylinder arrangements and various engine configurations, including but not limited to V-type engines, in-line engines, and horizontally opposed engines, as well as overhead cam and block cam configurations. Vehicles and work machinery that can be driven include vehicles and work machinery associated with various industries including, for example, construction, agriculture, forestry, transportation, material handling, waste management, etc.

[0017] The engine 100 can include an engine block 102, a cylinder head 104, a rocker cover 106, and a fuel rail system 108. The cylinder head 104 can be mounted to the engine block 102. The rocker cover 106 can be mounted to the cylinder head 104. The engine block 102 includes one or more cylinders (not shown) disposed therein. The cylinders can be arranged in any configuration, such as in-line, radial, "V-type", etc., as discussed above. The cylinders can define combustion chambers in which pistons reciprocate. The energy generated by the combustion of fuel inside the cylinders can be converted into rotational energy of a crankshaft by the pistons.

[0018] The cylinder head 104 and / or the rocker cover 106 can form a housing for components such as fuel injectors (not shown). Each fuel injector can be in fluid communication with a corresponding combustion chamber and can be mounted in the cylinder head 104 and / or the rocker cover 106. The cylinder head 104 can house one or more components and / or systems (not shown) of the engine 100, such as a valve train, an intake manifold, an exhaust manifold, sensors, etc. Additionally, the engine 100 can include various other components and / or systems (not shown), such as a crankcase, a fuel system, an air system, a cooling system, a turbocharger, an exhaust gas recirculation system, an exhaust aftertreatment system, etc.

[0019] The engine 100 further includes a fuel rail system 108. In some cases, the system can be double-walled for enclosure. The fuel rail system 108 can be fluidly connected to one or more fuel pumps (not shown). The fuel rail system 108 can be configured to receive pressurized gas or liquid fuel from one or more fuel pumps therein. The fuel rail system 108 can be fluidly connected to fuel injectors (not shown) associated with the cylinders of the engine 100. Thus, the fuel rail system 108 is configured to supply pressurized gas fuel and / or liquid fuel to each of the fuel injectors.

[0020] During operation of the engine 100, air enters the combustion chamber via the intake valve. When the intake valve is open (typically during the intake stroke and / or at the end of the exhaust stroke and / or at the start of the compression stroke), air can enter the combustion chamber. When air is present in the combustion chamber, the fuel injector can inject high-pressure fuel as a fuel jet. The fuel jet will typically disperse within the combustion chamber to create a fuel / air mixture within the combustion chamber. Ignition creates combustion, which in turn provides work on the piston to create motion on the crankshaft to drive the output.

[0021] Figure 2 An exploded view of the valve cover assembly 110 is shown. For example, the valve cover assembly 110 can be configured to be mounted on Figure 1 the cylinder head 104 or the rocker box 106. The valve cover assembly 110 can include a valve cover 112, a base extension 114, a grommet 116, a first seal 118, an intermediate member 120, a second seal 122, and fasteners 124. The grommet 116 can include a first section 126A, a second section 126B, a sealing feature 128, and an opening 130.

[0022] The valve cover 112 can be an existing cover that serves as a cover for the applicant's closed crankcase ventilation (CCV) or breather application. Thus, the design of the valve cover 112 does not need to be modified from the existing design. For example, the valve cover 112, the base extension 114, and the intermediate member 120 can be formed from a suitable (one or more) material such as metal, metal alloy, temperature-stable polymer (e.g., polyimide). The valve cover 112 can be configured to rest on and be coupled to the base extension 114. Fasteners (not shown) can be used to attach the cover 112 to the base extension 114. Additionally, a sealing interface can be formed between the valve cover 112 and the base extension 114 as is known in the art.

[0023] The base extension 114 can be configured to be coupled to the valve cover 112 and can have (e.g., formed therein) a recess 132. The base extension 114 can have opposing openings 134A and 134B leading to the recess 132. A third opening 134C leading to the recess 132 can also be formed by the base extension 114 and can be configured to receive the grommet 116. The recess 132 can be configured to receive at least a portion of the rocker arm (as Figure 3 further shown) and the fuel injector (as Figure 4 further shown). The base extension 114 is configured to be mounted on the rocker box 106 ( Figure 1 and 3 ), the cylinder head 104 ( Figure 1 and 3 ) or the intermediate member 120.

[0024] The orifice ring 116 can be formed of a overmolded part, a rigid or substantially rigid material, or other suitable materials. Such rigid materials can be elastomeric materials such as, but not limited to, silicone rubber with a high hardness grade, fluorosilicone elastomers (such as Viton), butyl rubber, epichlorohydrin (ECH) rubber, etc. The orifice ring 116 can be configured (e.g., with suitable materials, shapes, etc.) to dampen and / or control engine vibrations to the fuel tube, as further shown subsequently. The orifice ring 116 can be segmented / separated into at least two separate components, called segments (e.g., a first segment 126A and a second segment 126B), such as along a separation line or multiple separation lines. The number of segments, the orientation of such segments, the positioning of the (one or more) separation lines are purely exemplary and can be modified according to other examples.

[0025] The orifice ring 116 can be provided with a sealing feature 128 that docks and couples with a corresponding sealing feature of the base extension 114 when the valve cover assembly 110 is fully assembled and installed on an internal combustion engine. The sealing feature 128 can be, for example, a flange, a groove, a serpentine arrangement, a dedicated rubber-to-rubber seal, or other known sealing components or arrangements known in the art. For example, the sealing feature 128 and the corresponding sealing feature of the base extension 114 can be configured to form one or more sealing interfaces to retain lubricating oil (e.g., rocker system lubrication splash) within the recess 132.

[0026] The first segment 126A and the second segment 126B can be separable from each other to initially receive the fuel tube (see Figure 3 and 4 ). In particular, the first segment 126A and the second segment 126B can include an opening 130 therethrough. The opening 130 of the first segment 126A can be on the distal edge of the first segment 126A, which abuts the proximal edge of the second segment 126B that also has an opening 130. When the first segment 126A is coupled to the second segment 126B, the openings 130 of the first segment 126A and the second segment 126B can be substantially aligned to form a complete passage (e.g., having a desired cross-sectional area and shape) for receiving the fuel tube and allowing the fuel tube to pass through.

[0027] The first seal 118 can be shaped and positioned to be captured between the base extension 114 and the intermediate member 120. The intermediate member 120 can be configured to be mounted on an internal combustion engine, such as a rocker box 106 ( Figure 1 and 3 ) or a cylinder head 104 ( Figure 1 and 3 ). Fasteners 124 can attach the intermediate member 120 to the rocker box 106 ( Figure 1 and3 ) or the cylinder head 104 ( Figure 1 and 3 ). Although shown in the example of Figures 2 - 4 , the intermediate member 120 is an optional member and may not be used according to some examples. In the case where the intermediate member 120 is not used, the base extension 114 can be directly mounted on the rocker box 106 ( Figure 1 and 3 ) or the cylinder head 104 ( Figure 1 and 3 ). The second seal 122 (if used) can be shaped and positioned to capture between the intermediate member 120 and the rocker box 106 ( Figure 1 and 3 ) or the cylinder head 104 ( Figure 1 and 3 ). For example, the intermediate member 120, the first seal 118, and the second seal 122 together can help keep the lubricating oil of the rocker system within the recess 132.

[0028] Figure 3 Shows a valve cover assembly 110 mounted to an internal combustion engine 100, where the valve cover 112 ( Figure 2 and 4 ) and the base extension 114 ( Figure 2 and 4 ) are removed to show the rocker arm 136 and the valve bridge 138, which are at least partially positioned within the recess 132 when the base extension 114 ( Figure 2 and 4 ) is mounted to the internal combustion engine 100. The valve cover 112 and the base extension 114 are configured to be selectively attachable to and removable from the internal combustion engine 100. In particular, for example, the base extension 114 can be selectively attachable to and removable from the rocker box 106 (e.g., directly or via the intermediate member 120) to provide access to the rocker arm 136 and / or other components (such as the valve bridge 138 and / or the fuel injector) for maintenance. Such maintenance can include valve clearance adjustment. The valve cover 112 ( Figure 2 and 4 ) and the base extension 114 ( Figure 2 and 4 ) can be removed from the internal combustion engine 100 without disturbing one or more fuel pipes (e.g., the first fuel pipe 140 and the second fuel pipe 142) to provide access to the rocker arm 136 for performing valve clearance adjustment on the rocker arm. In other words, the first fuel pipe 140 and the second fuel pipe 142 can remain attached to the orifice ring 116 and connected to the fuel injector (not shown, but in Figure 4As shown (not shown in but shown in ), valve clearance adjustment and / or other maintenance are performed simultaneously. Thus, valve clearance adjustment and other maintenance can be performed without disconnecting the first fuel pipe 140 and the second fuel pipe 142 from the fuel injector.

[0029] Figure 3 A portion of the cylinder head 104 and the rocker box 106, as well as the orifice ring 116 and the intermediate member 120, are shown. The intermediate member 120 is mounted to the rocker box 106. The rocker arm 136 extends at least partially from the rocker box 106 and the valve bridge 138.

[0030] Figure 3 A portion of the fuel rail system 108 is also shown, which is configured for dual fuel and includes a first fuel pipe 140 and a second fuel pipe 142. Since the internal combustion engine 100 is configured to operate with dual fuel (e.g., two liquid fuels, liquid fuel and / or gaseous fuel), it may be difficult through the cylinder head 104 and the rocker box 106 due to the limited space for the passage of two fuels within one or both components. Thus, the present internal combustion engine 100 is designed such that the first fuel pipe 140 and the second fuel pipe 142 pass through the valve cover assembly 110, and particularly through the orifice ring 116 and downward into the recess 132 to reach the fuel injector ( Figure 3 not shown in but Figure 4 shown in ). According to one example, the first fuel pipe 140 may convey one of methanol, ethanol, or natural gas to the fuel injector, and the second fuel pipe 142 may convey diesel to the fuel injector.

[0031] As Figure 3 shown, the orifice ring 116 is separated into two separate segments, a first segment 126A and a second segment 126B. The first segment 126A and the second segment 126B together receive the first fuel pipe 140 and the second fuel pipe 142 via the opening 130. When installed and fastened to the internal combustion engine 100, the first segment 126A can be compressed against the second segment 126B by the base extension 114 ( Figure 2 and 4 ). This can provide a seal at the edge of the opening 130 around the first fuel pipe 140 and the second fuel pipe 142. In some embodiments, when installed and fastened to the internal combustion engine 100, both the first segment 126A and the second segment 126B can be compressed by the base extension 114 ( Figure 2 and 4)Compression. This can provide a seal around the first fuel tube 140 and the second fuel tube 142. As previously discussed, the orifice ring 116 can be formed of a suitable material (one or more), such as an elastomeric material, configured to compress the first fuel tube 140 and the second fuel tube 142 during operation of the internal combustion engine 100 and provide vibration damping for the first and second fuel tubes.

[0032] Figure 3 A method of servicing the rocker arm 136 and / or other components of the internal combustion engine 100 is shown. The method utilizes the orifice ring 116 of the valve cover assembly 110 to capture the first fuel tube 140 and the second fuel tube 142. The first fuel tube 140 and the second fuel tube 142 can be connected to a fuel injector of the internal combustion engine 100 (see Figure 4 ) and remain connected to the fuel injector. The method can include removing the valve cover 112 ( Figure 2 and 4 ) and the base extension 114 ( Figure 2 and 4 ) from the internal combustion engine 100 without disturbing the first fuel tube 140 and the second fuel tube 142. In Figure 3 , both the valve cover 112 ( Figure 2 and 4 ) and the base extension 114 ( Figure 2 and 4 ) are removed. The method can include performing valve lash adjustment or other maintenance on the rocker arm 136 exposed by removing the valve cover 112 ( Figure 2 and 4 ) and / or the base extension 114 ( Figure 2 and 4 ). The method can include reinstalling the valve cover 112 ( Figure 2 and 4 ) and / or the base extension 114 ( Figure 2 and 4 ) on the internal combustion engine 100. As shown in Figure 3 , the method can include segmenting the orifice ring 116 into a first segment 126A and a second segment 126B to allow the first fuel tube 140 and the second fuel tube 142 to initially pass through the orifice ring 116 without connecting components (e.g., spacer fittings and flange connectors). The method can include the first fuel tube 140 and the second fuel tube 142 remaining connected to the fuel injector (see Figure 4 ) during performance of the valve lash adjustment and / or other maintenance.

[0033] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the valve cover assembly 110 and the upper portion of the rocker arm housing 106 is shown. Figure 4Also shown is a fuel injector 144 coupled to a first fuel pipe 140 and a second fuel pipe 142. The fuel injector 144 is partially positioned within the rocker box 106, but extends into a recess 132 defined by a base extension 114. A valve cover assembly 110 is mounted on the rocker box 106. The valve cover assembly 110 includes a valve cover 112, a base extension 114, a grommet 116, a first seal 118, an intermediate member 120, and a second seal 122, as previously discussed with respect to Figure 2 The grommet 116 may include a first section 126A, a second section 126B, a sealing feature 128, and an opening 130. The rocker arm 136 ( Figure 3 ) is not shown in the cross-section of Figure 4 .

[0034] Figure 4 Shown is the first fuel pipe 140 and the second fuel pipe 142 passing through the grommet 116 without connection components and leading to connection with the fuel injector 144. As previously shown in Figure 3 , with the valve cover 112 and the base extension 114 removed from the rocker box 106, the fuel injector 144 (as well as the rocker arm (not shown) and other components) may be accessible. As previously discussed, the first fuel pipe 140 and the second fuel pipe 142 do not need to be disconnected from the fuel injector 144 or otherwise disturbed by the removal of the valve cover 112 and the base extension 114 or during maintenance.

[0035] Industrial applicability

[0036] In operation, the engine 100 may be configured to combust (one or more) fuels to generate power. Routine maintenance including valve clearance adjustment of the engine 100 is required to regulate engine intake and / or exhaust. In the case of a typical engine design, the valve cover encloses the valve train components and is removed to provide access for valve clearance adjustment and other maintenance. However, modern engines have a compact design that does not allow easy removal of the valve cover to provide access for maintenance. Some modern engines, especially those utilizing dual fuels, may utilize fuel injectors mounted below the valve cover, which require fuel pipes to pass through the valve cover. Removing the valve cover requires disconnecting the fuel pipes, resulting in increased maintenance time. Additionally, disconnecting includes opening the fuel system. This poses a risk of contamination and requires subsequent fuel system cleaning. Disconnecting and fuel system cleaning can be costly and time-consuming. Typically, an engine may provide access through the valve cover via bulkhead fittings and flange connectors. However, these components are too large to be used in the compression space of many modern engines and / or may result in the fuel system having to be opened.

[0037] The present application discloses a valve cover assembly 110. The valve cover assembly 110 can utilize a typical valve cover 112 such that the valve cover does not need to be redesigned. Additionally, the valve cover assembly 110 includes a base extension 114 and an orifice ring 116. The orifice ring can be configured to receive one or more fuel tubes and allow one or more fuel tubes to pass therethrough. The base extension can be removable from an internal combustion engine and other components (e.g., the valve cover, the orifice ring, the rocker box, and / or intermediate components). The base extension provides mechanical features such as grooves and flanges to hold and compress the orifice ring around one or more fuel tubes. The orifice ring can be separated into two or more segments. For example, the orifice ring can have a first (upper) segment 126A and a second (lower) segment 126B. The first segment and / or the second segment can be compressed around one or more fuel tubes (a first fuel tube 140 and a second fuel tube 142) such that lubricating oil and fumes are sealed within the valve cover assembly. The base extension, the valve cover, and / or the first orifice ring segment can be removable from the internal combustion engine without disturbing one or more fuel tubes to provide space for routine maintenance including valve clearance adjustment. In other words, the valve cover assembly is configured to allow one or more segments of the valve cover, the base extension, and / or the orifice ring to be removed without disconnecting one or more fuel tubes from a fuel injector 144. This provides access to valve components such as rocker arms 136 and valve bridges 138 for performing valve clearance adjustment and other maintenance without disturbing the fuel system (disconnecting one or more fuel tubes from the fuel injector). Thus, the present design of the valve cover assembly can save a significant amount of time and cost associated with engine maintenance.

[0038] The foregoing detailed description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents given by such claims.

Claims

1. A valve cover assembly for an internal combustion engine, comprising: Valve cover; a base extension coupled to the valve cover and having a recess that receives at least a portion of a rocker arm therein; as well as an orifice ring coupled to at least the base extension, the orifice ring having one or more openings for one or more fuel tubes to pass through and into the recess to deliver one or more fuels to a fuel injector; Wherein at least one of the valve cover and the base extension is removable from the internal combustion engine without interfering with the one or more fuel lines to provide access to the rocker arm for performing valve lash adjustments on the rocker arm. 2 . The valve cover assembly of claim 1 , wherein the base extension is configured to be mounted on one of a rocker box, a cylinder head, or an intermediate member of the internal combustion engine.

3. The valve cover assembly according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the orifice ring is separated into at least two separate sections, the at least two separate sections being separable from each other to receive the one or more fuel tubes.

4. The valve cover assembly of claim 3, wherein the orifice ring includes a first section and a second section that together receive the one or more fuel tubes, wherein the first section is compressed against the second section by one of the base extension or the valve cover.

5. The valve cover assembly according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the one or more fuel pipes include a first fuel pipe for a first fuel and a second fuel pipe for a second fuel. 6 . The valve cover assembly of claim 5 , wherein the first fuel of the first fuel pipe is diesel, and the second fuel of the second fuel pipe is one of methanol, ethanol, or natural gas.

7. The valve cover assembly of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the orifice ring is configured to form a seal with at least the seat extension to seal lubricating oil within the recess.

8. The valve cover assembly of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the orifice ring comprises an elastomeric material configured to provide vibration damping to the one or more fuel tubes during operation of the internal combustion engine.

9. A method for repairing a rocker arm of an internal combustion engine, comprising: providing a valve cover assembly including a valve cover, a base extension, and an orifice ring that captures one or more fuel tubes connected to a fuel injector of the internal combustion engine; removing at least one of the valve cover and the base extension from the internal combustion engine without interfering with the one or more fuel pipes; performing a valve lash adjustment on the rocker arm exposed by removing at least one of the valve cover and the base extension; and At least one of the valve cover and the base extension is reinstalled on the internal combustion engine.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising segmenting the first section of the grommet from the second section of the grommet to allow the one or more fuel tubes to pass through the grommet without connecting components.

11. The method of any one of claims 9-10, wherein the one or more fuel pipes remain connected to the fuel injector during performance of the valve lash adjustment.

12. The method of any one of claims 9-11, wherein the one or more fuel lines include a first fuel line for a first fuel and a second fuel line for a second fuel.

Images