Valve adjustment frustration. Is there a trick?

[1200images]

Adjusting valves using the backside method I find it very hard to tighten the set nut without turning the adjustment screw. There is limited space and it is difficult to get both hand to where I need them. Any suggestions please.

Gary

[Uncle Enzo]

I did my first one last week using the traditional menthod. It was tricky for sure and took a few hours but the key is patients. After I thought I was done I did last check and found I had to do them all over. Have you tried the the traditional method?

[toddu]

Check out the new tool in the engine rebuild forum.

Todd

[jibmaster1]

I did the 'traditional' method a few months back for the first time, and honestly it was not hard to do. Take your time, and you already have the right idea: check and recheck!! I rechecked three times. The second go through I had to maybe readjust one or two. The third was for my peace of mind! I noticed the torque curve was more linear...revved faster, smoother. You got this!

[Hnichols]

When I did this I had a stubby screwdriver with one of those rubber bottle cap openers from the kitchen -- one hand tightly gripping the screwdriver, the other gently tightening the nut with a box wrench. Put little counter-clockwise pressure on the screwdriver as you're tightening down the nut.

How do you know it's moving: can you actually feel the screw turning with the nut, or are you inferring movement from a loss of the go/no-go situation with the feeler-gauges? If the latter, it might be helpful (1) to wipe off the oil film from the feeler gauge before each test and (2) jiggle the rocker arm before each test. I found that, unless I did that, I was constantly overshooting the sweet spot, and driving myself crazy. Once you get the technique down, I think the backslide method is fairly simple.

Good luck!

[ertech]

Get the new tool well worth the money did all my valves in 20 min

[kach22i]

This thread?
911 Valve Lash Adjustment Tool

[x2nervisx]

Glad I clicked on this thread. Had no idea about that tool. It's now on my list of things to order.

[Uncle Enzo]

I'm anxious to hear how folks are liking this new tool. If works as described it's worth it's weight in gold.

[dicklague]

the 36 degree method which is the theory behind the new tool is a great way to do it.

I could not get the new tool, so I made the one in this thread..

Valve Adjustment Tools

Works well.

[1200images]

Great tip, thanks.

[T77911S]

use a screw driver and closed end wrench.

the real secret is to not losen the nut very much AND to use the slot in the foot like a dial gauge. now for the trick to do it. if you need to open the gap, with some pressure onthe screw driver (SD) in the CCW direction, losen the nut carefully until the slot in the foot turns a few degrees. then with CCW pressure on the SD tighten the nut and recheck.
to close the gap. with some CW pressure on the SD, losen the nut some. then as you tighten the nut, turn the SD with the nut a few degrees then recheck.

the idea is to never really losen the nut very much and use the slot in foot as a guide for how much you open or close the gap. say the slot is straight up and down, 12 oclock. if you need to close the gap turn it to about 2 oclock.

go for a very snug fit with the feeler gauge. it is easier to repeat a snug fit than it is a lose fit.
also, as long as the feeler will go in, it is not too tight.

forget about the back side.

[Kyle at Pelican Parts]

Hi Guys,

I just wanted to let you know that we are expecting availability some time this week on the Kirk Valve tool mentioned earlier in this thread and we've worked with the manufacturer to avoid any further shortages. The response that the tool has been getting thus far has been great and we're really psyched to offer it to you all!

[Uncle Enzo]

Originally Posted by Kyle at Pelican Parts

Hi Guys,

I just wanted to let you know that we are expecting availability some time this week on the Kirk Valve tool mentioned earlier in this thread and we've worked with the manufacturer to avoid any further shortages. The response that the tool has been getting thus far has been great and we're really psyched to offer it to you all!

I think a video tutorial is in order

[Kyle at Pelican Parts]

Originally Posted by Uncle Enzo

I think a video tutorial is in order

I'll see what I can do!