Re-Checking my Valve Adjust.. Do I need to drain all the oil?
 

I just did my first valve adjust on the 911 last week. It sounds a little noisier than I am comfortable with, so I'd like to go in and check tham all again. I think at least one of them is too loose.

So can I just drain the oil from the engine sump and leave the tank? Or should I drain both places before pulling the valve covers?

In either case, I will use a clean catch pan and plan to re-use the oil. OK?

No...you you only need to drain the oil at the engine sump. The tank can stay.

I wouldn't re-use the oil unless it's a brand new catch pan. If you've used it before, then it has dirty oil in it and will contaminate the clean oil. I'd say it's good practice to just use new oil regardless. Maybe others will have different opinions on this one.

Oil is cheap . . . your engine is not. Top off with new oil.

I saw a thread once where they lifted one side of the car to do the valves and didn't lose much oil at all.

I do it this way, you just have to do one side then the other so there is a little more rotation involved.

Start with the left side of the car up. Set #1 at TDC, adjust the valves and then rotate 240 deg. to #2, then 240 deg to #3. Double check clearences then button up the left side, lower the car.

Then move to the right side, lift the car, rotate the crank so that #4 is TDC and adjust #4 then 240 degs in sequence to #5 and #6. Double check and done.

Shane

Thats exactly how most do it. You wont lose any oil except for some drips..

Do you use new nuts and gaskets then, in his case?

definitely use new gaskets and nylock nuts and associated washers.

yes ... unless you have the red gaskets ...... but new nuts are still recommended ....

+1

reusing oil would be a bad decision.

I usually end up losing about 1 quart, by this method. Maybe I am not lifting it high enough.

thanks, ok, new hardware, red gaskets, new oil, and I'll try the tippy method:)

Correct me if I'm wrong. Does he really need to replace the gaskets and hardware if they are all brand new?

I had a similar situation last summer where I had to go back in and readjust the valves right after. I was told if I didn't rip the gaskets I could reuse everything since it was all new.

Matt,

Do you have any leaks? For someone who does thier own maintenance and is in and out of thier valve covers frequently then it make sense to use the reusable gaskets, and they probably wont have any issues using the nuts and washers two or even three times.

However when one is going 10 K in between valve jobs then they should be changed.

The key components of this decision is money, time and risk.

The nylock 13mm nuts may back out when worn so you must check them frequently if you decide to reuse them.

Shane

Yes. I have some leaks...but not from the valve covers. I agree that everything should be replaced when you are doing your 10 - 15K mile valve adjust. (which I do). However, he only has a week on his gaskets/hardware (so probably hardly any miles). To me it just seemed wasteful to buy new stuff, that's why I was asking.