Valve adjust with Kirk tool

[Reiver]

Thought it looked pretty well thought out so got one from our host and usedit today.


1983 SC euro...CIS

Once you get a feel for the tool it really works well...never brought out a feeler gauge and did all 12 in a pretty quick series...once around the horn and no checking.

The tune up is very nice and this does give you a nice setting....just a hint of valve train noise...no loud ticking. The warmed up run was excellent with great response....very nice tool.


I also used info posted here too....dry gaskets...first tighten to 10 ft. lbs sequentially and then a final to 18 ft. lbs. Dry as a bone.


I recommend the tool as user friendly.

[macssc911]

Just got one. have not used yet, looking forward
Thanks for input

[mikedsilva]

I bought one, didn't really feel comfortable with it.. sold it on.. next fellow loves it.
Guess it was just me.

[mo-mon]

Have one. Used it twice. Prefer the feeler gauge.

Keep the kirk tool super clean after use so as not to skew the reading. Ask me how I know

[OSC911]

Valve cover torque for the nuts seems a bit high? I thought it was only 6 ft.bls from memory.

[Reiver]

Originally Posted by OSC911

Valve cover torque for the nuts seems a bit high? I thought it was only 6 ft.bls from memory.

It is....but those are studs with 13 mm lock nuts and if you do a search you'll find a respected builder here who recommends that...dry gaskets and sequential torque to 18 ft lbs....on the engines he builds and services never a valve cover leak and no issues with the covers either.

[SCadaddle]

Hrrrrrummmmphhh......he done told me 15 ft. lbs.

[Reiver]

Originally Posted by SCadaddle

Hrrrrrummmmphhh......he done told me 15 ft. lbs.

Dif guy...never asked Yoda…. dry as a bone...had a slight leak on the number 3 rocker shaft for awhile....can't get a torque wrench in there so just used quick weld lightly around the outside...its on the dry side anyway so what the heck....worked too.

[Craig]

Reiver,
Quick question, which gaskets did you buy?
I am going to do this soon, just wondering as there seem to be a lot of options.

Thanks,
Craig

[dicklague]

I don't like the Kirk......prefer the 36 degree screw drive type adjuster.

[Reiver]

Originally Posted by Craig

Reiver,
Quick question, which gaskets did you buy?
I am going to do this soon, just wondering as there seem to be a lot of options.

Thanks,
Craig

I bought the Porsche kit from our host....they have the Reinz gaskets...just cleaned the surfaces well on the lump and the covers. Snugged them, then sequential torque to 10 lbs, center out and finally to 18 sequentially.


Just drove 50 miles and not a drop.

[Craig]

Thanks Reiver
Craig

[shbop]

Originally Posted by Reiver

It is....but those are studs with 13 mm lock nuts and if you do a search you'll find a respected builder here who recommends that...dry gaskets and sequential torque to 18 ft lbs....on the engines he builds and services never a valve cover leak and no issues with the covers either.

The size of the nut, or stud, doesn't matter. Bending the cover, so it's no longer flat, does. I dress mine on a thick piece of glass with 220 grit wet and WD 40. You'd be amazed at what you'll find the fist time.

[Reiver]

Originally Posted by shbop

The size of the nut, or stud, doesn't matter. Bending the cover, so it's no longer flat, does. I dress mine on a thick piece of glass with 220 grit wet and WD 40. You'd be amazed at what you'll find the fist time.

The size of the stud always matters...or so I've been told.

Yes, have done that and still had leaks at the 6lb. T....I don't worry about that issue anymore just torque to 15-18 lbs. and go.....dry as a bone. Two builders I know, one that rebuilt the top end on my 930-10, do this and the latter has been a certified P mech and shop owner for over 40 years.

[Rawknees'Turbo]

Originally Posted by Reiver

The size of the stud always matters...or so I've been told.

. . .

You know what they say about folks who claim that size doesn't matter!!!

[76FJ55]

Originally Posted by dicklague

I don't like the Kirk......prefer the 36 degree screw drive type adjuster.

Can you expand a little on what you refer to as the 36 degree screw type actually is? is there a specific brand/tool you are using?

[Jack Stands]

The screw type adjuster uses the thread pitch as a determinant of the clearance. You simply tighten until the follower contacts the valve, then back off the 36 degrees to get the appropriate clearance.

[uwanna]

Originally Posted by 76FJ55

Can you expand a little on what you refer to as the 36 degree screw type actually is? is there a specific brand/tool you are using?

This is a pic of the 36 degree screwdriver tool.(pic from fellow Pelican "Rusnak").
The 36 degrees is the angle between the pointers. It uses the same theory
as the Kirk tool, in fact, the Kirk tool is probably based on this tool idea,
except in a much more elegant design.
Basically you remove all valve lash with the screwdriver, then back off
the screw driver to align the pointer to the previous pointer position.

Easy peasy, but I think the Kirk tool is much more precise. Just my $.02