Setting Tappets tip!!!
 

I am in the process of doing some work on my engine as I currently have it removed from the car. One of the jobs I am doing is setting the tappets up. I struggled as usual with the swan neck feeler gauge setting and testing the tappets in the required order. I then had the idea to use a the dial gauge to check my tappet gaps (I am also setting up the valve timing - hence the handy dial gauge)

I rigged up a secure mount for the gauge by mounting it on an extended rocker cover stud and hey presto! I was able to wobble tapper number which showed a gap of 0.11mm which I was reasonably happey with. It also showed me a gap of 0.08mm on tappet number 2 so I made the adjustment.

I'm not sure if I'm stating the obvious and this is a common tip that the more experianced Porsche owner already knows - so please forgive me if it is. I however found it valuable and in the spirt of this board feel it is worth mentioning. Please feel free to correct my method if someone knows of a flaw in this arrangement. I'm sure ther is enough space to use this item which the engine in the car.

Could I also take the oppertunity to ask some advice:
I am changing th timing chains and I have bought the split link type. However these split links look different to the ones shown in my manual. These links are held secure by 2 small horse shoe style clips - one on each rod of the split link. They are very small and are different to the link discribed in the manula which is a single longer more traditional horse shoe shaped link.

The one in my kit are very small and unclip rather easily which concerns me. Has anyone used these before, should I use the more traditional split link, I'd be grateful for a second opinion.
Or any previous encounters with such a link.

Many Thanks
Richard

Richard,

Yes, the dial indicator is more accurate than the P213 tool ... but not entirely practical with the engine in the car! I can most likely check all 12 valves, and adjust 1 or 2 in less time than you can move the dial indicator and check 3 or 4 valves ... engine-in-car!

It used to take more time to clean up the valve covers ... than the actual valve adjustment/check procedure with the P-213 tool, never broke any blades, or lot any tiny nuts and screws down into the engine, either! Very important to use blue Loctite on the P-213 screws and nuts! After a few valve adjustment procedures on a 911 engine ... you can tell which valves will need adjustment by 'sound' when you manipulate the rocker by hand ... 0.004" clearance makes a certain discernible 'tap,' and the feeler gauge just confirms that ear wax or a sinus infection hasn't altered your hearing and perception! Now that I have the 'permanent' red silicone valve cover gaskets ... it should go even faster in the future!

And, no, you aren't the first on the board to 'discover' the dial indicator method or advocate it ...