Modifying tools

[john70t]

This is a thread about the gripes of OEM tools and how to make them work better.

1. Don't trust tools. Double check each measurement, and loosen the torque-wrench spring after use. Can you guess why this plastic caliper won't give an acurate measurement?


2. The tie-rod press tool kept slipping off because it was pressing sideways, so I ground a "pocket" for it and jacked the control arm up level. Works great now.

A small divet was ground off the back to fit better. That's the mini portable vice under it.


3. The factory valve-adjust gauge was originally at a 45deg angle and didn't fit in the head. I heated and bent it to 90deg. Because 1/8th turn and 1/4 turn feels the same in terms of drag, I will double-check with a dial guage to make sure.

[ChrisBennet]

If you bend the tool so the bend is closer to the screw heads you will have more room in the tight space next to the valve. Otherwise you are always bumping up against the cam carrier.
-Chris

[TimT]

modifying tools is something new?

I have a toolbox full of customized/modified/homemade tools

[Zeke]

Yeah, I love it when I find a use for spares that I won't throw away. Like open end wrenches that are ground thinner or screwdrivers that are bent in many odd ways for hooking and poking.

[Joeaksa]

Thought that this is what pawn shops are for? Not going to cut and weld on my Snap On's!

JoeA

[john70t]

I'm doing a valve adjustment now and found a few more FYI. I'm hoping this thread collects a lot of tips for the common things.
To double check the vavle adjustment, I'm using a dial gauge and a panel removal tool (which needs tweaking) to push it up and down. This gauge is too big for the intakes and if anyone knows what model Pelican used to sell please post it.


For the top valves, I welded on a little extension to help maintain the angle while tightening the nut. Another one with a perpendicular instead would work best.
-john(waiting for that snap-on royalty check)

[jyl]

I cut an old combo wrench in half, to make a stubby for the valve adj.

Owning this Porsche has made me want a whole set of stubby tools.

[safe]

I modified a cheep (like $10) 46mm combo-wrench to remome the cam-nuts.
Worked like a charm!

[VaSteve]

After someone told me there was no "special" tool needed to remove Heat Exchanger barrel nuts and I dove right in. No, you cannot get it with an extension. Out comes the hacksaw and my 8mm allen key.

To reinstall, I used a little JB weld and a cheapo 8mm Companion socket. New tool. I hope not to use it again.