Valve lash adjustment

[movin]

My '87 seems to run and sound better with the valve lash set at .003" instead of .004". I've been setting it to this clearance for 4 years now with no problems. Apparently, like every clearance spec. there is a tolerance. On the inside of the engine deck lid there is a sticker regarding the emission control system and interestingly it states valve lash .004"+/- .002". Sounds like there is some tolerance allowed.

[john walker's workshop]

if you do a good snug .004 there will be no clatter as long as the guides,and the rest of the valve train are not worn. .001 will make no difference on performance. when the valve sits on the seat, it transfers it's heat to the cylinder head.(it also transfers heat to the guides). so less clearance means less time to conduct heat. i guess that would compute to a loss of 25% of it's conduction time at the seat. your choice.

[This message has been edited by john walker's workshop (edited 09-08-2001).]

[This message has been edited by john walker's workshop (edited 09-08-2001).]

[movin]

While on the subject of heat transfer, is there any merit to replacing the valve seats with beryllium copper alloy? My concern is for longevity, I don't know how beryllium copper compairs to the OEM material.

[john walker's workshop]

beats me, but any time the seats are replaced, there's a whole lot more chance of them coming out.

[Superman]

John, that's what I heard too. It seems my favorite local VW shop guy says that I should ask whether it makes sense to leave the seats alone, and just replace guides and seals. So, I'm askin'.

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'83 SC

[john walker's workshop]

leave well enough alone.