First Valve Adjust..... not going well

[toddu]

Well, I was very much looking forward to working on the car this weekend, but I'm starting to get a bit frustrated. It doesn't help that it's 90+ degrees outside, and I"m sure worse than that in the garage.

Anyway, I'm trying the "2.7Racer" version of this (using a feeler from the backside) and not 100% sure I'm doing things correctly. To begin with, the valves I have done so far, according to the procedure, were tight. I notice that now the rocker arms appear to have some play in them, and it seemed like I had to adjust the screw quite a bit to the loose side. Is it normal for the rocker arms to have a bit of play in them? Have I loosened things too much?

I'm also having a bit of confusing with the marks on the crank pully. As you rotate, is the very next mark the next cylinder? Doesn't seem to be. If I start with 1, go to the next mark and look at the distributer cap, it seems that 3 is next.

I also expected to find some loose valves as my car seems to be "ticky" once it gets warm. No loose ones yet though.

Hopefully someone is reading this on a Sunday afternoon.

Thanks guys!!!!

Todd

[Hugh R]

Read this article http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_valve_adjust/911_valve_adjust.htm

You don't want loose or tight. I find it easiest to loosen each one and readjust it to the correct gap, rather than trying to slide the feeler gauge into a very small gap.

[LakeCleElum]

I've working on motorcycles for over 40 years.....Here's what works for me: When the intake is all the way open (not partially open)....you can be assured the exhaust is all the way closed. With all respect to 2.7 racer, I adjust at the valve using a .004 feeler between the valve stem and the rocker. I adjust for a "light drag". Works for me, even when it's hot outside.......

[livi]

As mentioned, do a search on the subject. A lot of threads debating this topic.

I also started out with the cam lobe / rocker method. Found it difficult. Ended up with the traditional technique. Worked just fine.

A way of double checking you have the valves in correct position (closed) is precisely that - grabbing the rocker arm and jerking it lightly. It should then move slightly often with a little clicking sound. If its rock solid you are either in the wrong cam position or the valve is way too tight.

Start out making sure you are at TDC and simultaneously having the rotor pointing toward cyl no 1. Then turn clockwise 120 at a time.

Oh, and I did not have to loosen the adjust nut before checking under the elephant foot.

Good luck !

[450knotOffice]

The article HughR supplies a link to is excellent. It should be able to answer all of your questions if you follow the procedure he lays out methodically.

[toddu]

Thanks guys for all the replies!!!

I think my adjustment is complete. I'm not even going to say where I went wrong, too embarrasing. But, I think I made out ok. A couple seemed slightly loose, and several tight. I'm going to button it up, fill 'er with oil, and take a spin.

Oh, need to change my voltage reg. first though, but that should be painless.

Once again, thanks for the feedback on a sunday afternoon.

Todd

[Nine9six]

Originally posted by toddu
Thanks guys for all the replies!!!

I think my adjustment is complete. I'm not even going to say where I went wrong, too embarrasing. But, I think I made out ok. A couple seemed slightly loose, and several tight. I'm going to button it up, fill 'er with oil, and take a spin.

Oh, need to change my voltage reg. first though, but that should be painless.

Once again, thanks for the feedback on a sunday afternoon.

Todd

Just one question...If this is your first time, did you double check your work?
Nothing worse than pulling it all apart, to do what you already did :-)

[black993]

Don't be embarrased, it's called learning. Not all of us have the opportunity to learn under the watchfull eye of an experienced expert. So it's scaped knuckles and stripped bolts, missing parts and lot's of curses. You have done the right thing to clear up your questions on this board and I salute your williness to takle the task. Hope you are rewarded with a nice smooth run on a good twisty road.
Art