HELP - valave adjustment...how tight is too tight??

[Targa4now]

Hello 911 motor freaks

I'm in the middle of my first valve adjustment (cylinder 6) and was wondering how tight is too tight.

Currently I'm am adjusting the valve such that an oil coated 4 thous. feeler is SNUG within the gap without placing load on the rocker arm.

Expert advice would be greatly appreciated!!

I'm making a beer run so I've got 30 minutes to kill.

Thanks to everyone for the threads on this topic.

Regards,

Jeff

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Targa4now 1981 911 SC Targa
Black over Brown

[Eagledriver]

I believe there is acctually a spec for this of .004 plus or minus .002 but thats from memory. I set mine so a .004 is tight and .003 is just right. If you turn your adjuster screw 30 degrees from snug (zero clearance) you'll be where you should be. Then you can just check with the feelers.

The actual spec is .1mm or 36 degrees of screw rotation. I'm comfortable with anything at .003 inches or more. The clearance will be more as the engine heats up.

-Andy

[Rot 911]

I used to think that was correct until I had my engine out and used a dial indicator. When set correctly you almost can't pull out a .004 feeler gauge. Once it is out you can't get it back in very easily. So your gap will actually be a bit loose which is fine. Better a bit loose than a bit tight.

[Targa4now]

Kurt,
This is exactly what I needed to hear!

"When set correctly you almost can't pull out a .004 feeler gauge."

I'm sure 1 and 6 are too loose and I'll redo them.

Thanks for the advice everyone!

I'll post pics of the process and my ride when complete.

Jeff

[shbop]

If you want to know what it feels like; clamp your mic on a .004" feeler guage, and pull.

[imcarthur]

This post illustrates why the backside method has become so popular. What is "you almost can't" . . . ?????

See Backside Method

Ian

Disclaimer: But if you're comfortable & experienced at the normal valve adjustment method . . . .