Another Valve clearance question - no special tool just to check clearance?

Oversteer · 20th July 2010, 16:59

Sorry chaps, I know this has been done to *****, but I'd like to check my understanding. I've used the search button and found some good advice on what I need to do.

I'm working my way through a thorough service at the moment. The garage owner that maintained my car for the previous owner is sure that he checked the valve clearances quite recently, but I'd really like to be sure.

If I'm just checking that the clearance are OK, am I right in thinking I don't need a special tool, just some standard feeler gauges? I'm hoping that they will all be OK. I only need the special tool if I need to change any shims?

I changed the plugs over the weekend and there was some oil on the old plugs, so I'm plannin on replacing the 3 oil seals at the same time.

Thanks
Jim.

Alan Archer · 20th July 2010, 18:51

Yep standard feeler gauges are fine,
although offset gauges do help.

Whatever you do...DONT turn the engine BACKWARDS ok !!!
If you turn too far keep going.

I did my clearances recently and it was very straight forward..

Happy money saving !

Regards,

Alan.

davidoli · 20th July 2010, 22:35

Did you need to adjust any Alan ?

If so , was there a noticable improvement in engine response afterwards ?

D

Oversteer · 22nd July 2010, 12:30

thanks,
I've ordered myself the gaskets and will have a go soon.

Alan Archer · 22nd July 2010, 17:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidoli

Did you need to adjust any Alan ?

If so , was there a noticable improvement in engine response afterwards ?

D

Hi David,

I re-shimmed 3 valves..

1 exhaust & 1 inlet on Cyl #1

and

1 inlet on Cyl #3

All others spot on.
Very slight improvement in smoothness & pick up.
Vast improvement in peace of mind knowing nothing's too tight !

Alan.

davidoli · 22nd July 2010, 23:16

Thanks Alan .

Peace of mind is a wonderful thing !

D

Montanvs · 28th July 2010, 17:27

Do you have to remove the fanclutch and radiator shroud to move the engine crank bolt? The less I have to take apart the better. I read somewhere that if the plugs are out, and the belts were tight, you could crank the engine by simply turning the fan clutch bolt.....

raymondw · 28th July 2010, 17:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Montanvs

Do you have to remove the fanclutch and radiator shroud to move the engine crank bolt? The less I have to take apart the better. I read somewhere that if the plugs are out, and the belts were tight, you could crank the engine by simply turning the fan clutch bolt.....

Why not place the gearbox in 5th gear and manually rotate the front wheels in the forward direction untill the next cam lobes are pointing upwards. This prevents you from accidentally reversing the engine and you'll only need two additional meters in the driveway.

Montanvs · 28th July 2010, 17:41

Have you done it this way? The car is rear wheel drive, so wouldn't you be rotating the rear wheel?

I'd like to find a safe, tried and tested method, if there is one that doesn't require taking the whole front part of the car apart to crank the main crank bolt.....

raymondw · 28th July 2010, 19:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Montanvs

Have you done it this way? The car is rear wheel drive, so wouldn't you be rotating the rear wheel?

I'd like to find a safe, tried and tested method, if there is one that doesn't require taking the whole front part of the car apart to crank the main crank bolt.....

Yes, I always use this method. Keep the car on the ground with all four wheels.

Then manually move the car forward in fifth gear.