Kirk Engineering valve lash tool?

[SCadaddle]

Anyone have experience with this tool? Appears to simply allow rotation of the valve adjustment screw 36 degrees out from zero lash point. I'm familiar/lectured on the traditional feeler gauge, backside method, looked at videos of the Stomski tool, however a "search" here on the forums much less the entire www hasn't turned up anything regarding this 'un.

Thanks!

Pelican Parts - Product Information: PEL-VALVELASH

[Caledonian]

911 Valve Lash Adjustment Tool

I've just subscribed to this.

[nickyclyde]

There is a thread running today and yesterday in the engine rebuild forum ,started by mr. Kirk. Saw it yesterday ,people posting today.

[gtc]

Looks like a complicated ($$$) solution to a simple problem.

How about this instead?
The "9m" valve adjusting tool - Rennlist Discussion Forums

[Porsche84]

I have the tool and it works excellent. Well built tool, should last a lifetime!

[RWebb]

why is it so hard to set the valves?

[JAR0023]

Originally Posted by RWebb

why is it so hard to set the valves?

It's not, but there is a certain subjective art and feel component the the traditional method of setting valve clearance. Some people are more comfortable when they can remove the subjective and only have to deal with objective measurements. Thus the whole backside Go/No-Go method.

Some people complete a valve adjustment every few years. This tool doesn't have the same learning curve as the traditional method. I've completed a whopping two valve adjustments on my car...but in a previous life I set bearing preload, by feel, literally thousands of times. I get the whole feel thing and it appeals to me. First couple of cylinders took a while but once I had the "feel" back the rest were a breeze.

My take on it, for what it's worth. -J

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by JAR0023

It's not, but there is a certain subjective art and feel component the the traditional method of setting valve clearance. Some people are more comfortable when they can remove the subjective and only have to deal with objective measurements. Thus the whole backside Go/No-Go method.

Some people complete a valve adjustment every few years. This tool doesn't have the same learning curve as the traditional method. I've completed a whopping two valve adjustments on my car...but in a previous life I set bearing preload, by feel, literally thousands of times. I get the whole feel thing and it appeals to me. First couple of cylinders took a while but once I had the "feel" back the rest were a breeze.

My take on it, for what it's worth. -J

Well put. I used to adjust (mostly double check) the valves on my 914 at every oil change because it was so easy for me. The 911 is a pain to do without a lift.

[dicklague]

Why not use this?



you just need 36 degrees in that "V" and you can adjust you valves easily. Looks like a simple, yet elegant solution.

from: http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/964-forum/466754-the-9m-valve-adjusting-tool.html

That being said, I do like the Kirk solution and will probably buy some when the egg money jar gets a bit fuller!!

[304065]

While clever and inexpensive, that solution requires you to visually line up the pointer with something on the cam box for a reference. The Kirk tool has the pointer integral, leaving nothing to guesswork.

[dicklague]

Originally Posted by 304065

While clever and inexpensive, that solution requires you to visually line up the pointer with something on the cam box for a reference. The Kirk tool has the pointer integral, leaving nothing to guesswork.

I agree! That is why I am buying one.

[tobluforu]

Originally Posted by gtc

Looks like a complicated ($$$) solution to a simple problem.

How about this instead?
The "9m" valve adjusting tool - Rennlist Discussion Forums

By the time I made that, I could have adjusted my valves already.

[dkirk]

Gentlemen,

For those interested, I now have plenty of tools in stock, ready to ship. Our host is the exclusive retailer of this product.

Pelican Parts - European Automotive Parts and Accessories - Porsche • BMW • Mercedes • Volkswagen • Audi • Saab • Volvo • MINI

I really do appreciate all the forum comments, both pro and con. I realize this tool is not for everyone as there will always be the traditionalists who just enjoy the classical approach - using feeler gauges and taking their time...nothing wrong with that.

[kodioneill]

The problem isn't the price of the tool its the shipping charge of $17.00 that bugs me.

[mreid]

This thread is like an episode of Tool Time. Get a .003 and .0025 feeler gauge and use the backside method. I would never trust a tool that doesn't actually measure the gap. It's like saying you can fly an airplane because you never crashed the simulator. Screwdriver, box end wrench (I actually use a 1/2" as it grips the nut tighter), and two feeler gauges. You are good to go!

[john walker's workshop]

the backside method of go/no go doesn't "exactly" measure the gap either.

[SilberUrS6]

The idea of a tool where you don't have to do it by "feel" appeals to the scientist in me. But a lot of what we do is done by muscle memory, and doing things by "feel" becomes accurate and repeatable.

[Ronnie's.930]

Originally Posted by SilberUrS6

But a lot of what we do is done by muscle memory, and doing things by "feel" becomes accurate and repeatable.

Now, now, Eric, do you really want to take this thread "there"!?

[martidj]

I ordered a Kirk valve lash tool this week and look forward to using it on my first time valve adjustment.

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by Ronnie's.930

Now, now, Eric, do you really want to take this thread "there"!?

Now, now Ronnie. I am not talking about your "special alone time."

I'm talking about any sort of repetitive work we might do with our clothes on. Now, how you do it in the privacy of your own garage is none of my business, as long as you keep the door closed. I prefer to adjust my valves (not a euphemism) wearing a pair of coveralls.

BTW, this valve lash tool is on my list of Father's Day presents.