Did valve adjustment today...no surprises.

[jm13004]

I performed my first maintenance today on my new to me 88' Targa. Car runs very well but I don't know when the last valve adjustment was done so I decided to perform it now. Drained the oil (almost overflowed my reservoir). Holly cows that oil comes out quick. Next I removed the valve covers...pretty simple. I was a little nervous that I may find a broken head stud but.....no surprises! Thank goodness. The #6 intake valve was a PIA...very hard to see and reach due to the AC hoses but I got it done. I found I had to loosen the valves quit a bit then put the feeler gauge in, then tighten them back down. I was not good at just sticking the gauge in the small space without first opening the gap.

I still need to put the covers/gaskets on but I wasn't able to finish since I spent this evening cleaning all the covers. Hopefully, I'll finish tomorrow. I also plan on replacing plugs, belts, and air filter. One last observation, the PO lived in Colorado. Red clay dirt/dust is in every nook and cranny on this car. I think I will be dropping the engine soon just to clean up the whole engine compartment....it needs it.

Finally, the best news ....I went to Bennet Auto Parts to try and get a couple of crush washers for the oil bolts, no luck. As I was leaving, I see Valvoline VR1 oil for 5.29. I tell the clerk what a great price that is and he says "it's on sale for 4.99". As I take 2 cases of oil up to the register he realizes he made a mistake but still gives me the 4.99 deal. Yessss!

[Mtbkracr]

I adjusted my valves about two weeks ago and used the backside method where you check the gap where the rocker arm rests against the cam. That was super easy and the car sounds great now