Valve Adjustment Tools

[dicklague]

I started a valve adjustment on my 2.7 911 and a couple of the tougher chores got to me.

Getting the crank in the right position can be trying and knuckle busting. I usually use a 19mm ratchet end wrench. But it is not long enough and I have to reach in behind the engine and grab the wrench......in moving it I often bust my knuckles on the engine saddle.

I dug in the back of my tool box and found a 19mm cheapo ratchet that I don't use very often and decided to put a longer handle on it. It is a double end ratchet so I cut it in 2 and used the 19mm end and welded a longer handle on it. The overall length is now 22 inches, but I could cut it down to 18 or even 16.

I offset the handle slightly so it can be seated squarely on the net and still clear the upper pulley.

The internals of this wrench have a plastic layer so I had to weld in quick tacks in order not to melt the inside. It is not beautiful, but it really works.




Here is the wrench in the engine compartment. You can see it is a bit long, but with the ratchet it makes it very easy to move the crank to the next position.




I would love to have the Dave Kirk valve lash tool, but they seem to be in short supply. I made my own from a story on rennlist that actually works pretty well.

Same theory as the other pro one, but a little simpler. that is a flat screwdriver tip at the lower left end of the tool. The "V" is 36 degrees. You tighten the adjustment screw and then back it off 36 degrees and lock it in place.

[NoYouRelax]

Very cool.....I knew there had to be a simple protractor approach. Before I start checking thread size, is the 36 degrees applicable for a 3.0?

[dicklague]

Originally Posted by NoYouRelax

Very cool.....I knew there had to be a simple protractor approach. Before I start checking thread size, is the 36 degrees applicable for a 3.0?

The theory behind this tool is to set the 0.1mm clearance of the cam follower by turning the valve adjuster screw exactly 1/10 of a turn (36 degrees) from a zero clearance position.

It works out to a tenth due to the 1.0mm metric pitch of the adjuster thread.


here is the link: The "9m" valve adjusting tool - Rennlist Discussion Forums

[merlinfe]

Good job, I may have to try this.

[dicklague]

Originally Posted by merlinfe

Good job, I may have to try this.

I am surprised with how easy it is to use. You tighten down the screw with just a little pressure and turn counter clockwise until the right pointer is at the same spot that the left one just left. Then tighten the lock nut.

[HarryD]

Dick,

I am surprised you use the Crank pulley bolt to turn the motor. I just put some pressure on the fan belt and turn the motor with the alternator nut.

[dicklague]

Originally Posted by HarryD

Dick,

I am surprised you use the Crank pulley bolt to turn the motor. I just put some pressure on the fan belt and turn the motor with the alternator nut.

I guess I just find the crank pulley more direct and you can leave the tool in place more easily.

I know the Alt pulley will work too....just the way I do it.