valve adjust with feelers vs dial indicator

[Ned nyna 11]

Guys,
I adjusted the valves before putting NYNA 11 , 87 Carrera away for the winter and then decided to double check my work using a dial indicator to measure the clearances that I had set.
A dial indicator is about the size of a tire pressure gage with a movable rod protruding and you can set it up on a Z shaped mount which is bolted to the nearest valve cover stud. The rod is set on the top of the adjuster screw and when you jiggle the rocker, the movement can be read on the indicator.
I will never again use a feeler to set the clearances. My best work was pretty bad. The dial method was way easier and more reassuring and when I had finished, I checked the settings and they repeated.
One of those small inexpensive dial indicators from Sears would be better than the big one I have as it/I was awkward. Of course you would need the Z shaped tool also but that is inexpensive.
Ned Monaghan

[john walker's workshop]

if you have lots of time, i suppose the dail gauge would work out. but what a hassel. you would get good with the feeler gauge after a short while, and save lots of time.

[RoninLB]

Yes, use the dial ind. to check your work when you first start doing valve adj. Don't worry, you will gain confidence soon. It's a great toy now, until you learn what else you can do. It's only nuts and bolts with a little wire to wrap it.

[GIBSON]

It's just preference I guess, I have gotten used to the dial indicator method and just stayed with it. Like anything else, you develop a feel for a technique. The indicator works for me.
However, you need to spend time with the feeler gauge as well.
My 86 has some spots where the dial gauge will not work.
I'm quick enough with the dial that I don't think I loose much time setting it up and using it.

Bruce Herrmann

[bill mateer]

When you say your best work was pretty bad, where were you in error on the tight or loose end or both ???

just curious...

[Ned nyna 11]

Bill
Results were both tight and loose and of course some were ok after the first round. I always double check them once but this time I tried the dial indicator to check the settings.
No doubt whatever that a pro like John could use the feeler with assurance of speed and accuracy, but for me, the dial is the way I will do it in future.
Ned Monaghan