Stomski Valve Adjust Tool Engine In?

[lespaul]

Please understand that I am not trying to trigger a debate on which is the best method to adjust valves -- feeler gauge, backside, Kirk, 1/10 turn, by "feel" or whatever.

Instead, my question is as follows:

I am intrigued by the Stomski Valve Adjust tool that uses a dial gauge to set/measure valve clearance. But, even using a small dial gauge, can it be used with the engine in? I have a 78 SC with A/C delete, Blower delete and backdated heat but have a gutted cat. I am willing to take the cat off to get a good valve adjustment.

Does anyone have experience using the Stomski tool with the engine in? If so, can you do it on all valves?

[Daniel Cooper]

I use the Stomski tool on my 69. I jack it up and put it on stands, and then can reach everything just fine.

I realize that an SC is more crowded but that's my experience.

[theiceman]

I did one with the engine out the other day using that tool ( if its the same one that does the valve timing ) . i see no reason why you couldnt use it with the tool in.

the only real issue i see is maybe seeing the guage and top dead centre without paralax error.

[joefrantz]

It will depend more on the gauge than the mounting tool.
I made my own tool, and using a fowler gauge similar to the one in the Stomski video, it fits, but just barely.
The Stomski tool is a lot more compact than mine, so that won't be your limiting factor.
Given that the cat will need to come off, the intakes will be the tightest fit. You've only got about 4.5 inches between the valve lash screw and the frame.
Also, judging from the pics in your engine build thread (thanks for that by the way), you might have some interference with the tube that passes over no. 6 intake.

Here are pics of mine for reference:

[lespaul]

Thanks Joe. Nice job on the tool build.

What about something like this combo?

AGPtek® 7.8" Adjustable Magnetic Base Holder for Digital Level Dial Test Indicator Gauge: Dial Calipers: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

and this dial indicator which is only 83 mm long

803 A - Mahr Metrology

[lespaul]

Or use this tiny baby after cutting the arm off?

Mitutoyo 700-118-20 Quick Mini Digital Thickness Gauge, Inch/Metric, 0-0.5" (0-12.7mm) Range, 0.0005" (0.01mm) Resolution, +/-0.001" Accuracy: Thickness Gauges: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

[dede911]

Hi,

I can confirm that the Stomski tools works fine with the engine in place.

The smaller the gauge, the better.

André

[Rob 930]

I haven't used the Stomski tool, but I've used its (nearly identical) predecessor, which I bought from Performance Products in 1975 (for $14.00!). I've used it ever since, with great success on every imaginable 911 variant, including air conditioned 930s and other engines that you'd think would have limited access. All could be done with the engine installed -- but I've only used mechanical dial indicators of the standard size. In my mind, a tool like this is the only way to go for accurate valve adjustment. I have never, ever seen a feeler gauge work as well for this task.

There is some technique to using it though -- first, you have to basically "guess" at the correct adjustment, tighten the lock nut fully, and then check it, If it's wrong, move the tool out of the way, change the clearance and tighten the lock nut again before checking it with the dial indicator. If you don't tighten the lock nut between iterations, you may find that you can get the correct clearance on the gauge with a "loose" locknut, and that it will change unfavorably after you tighten it fully. Hence, you might as well tighten it each time between changes. I usually get the correct number within two or three tries. Sometimes four.

The other thing you may find is that it's best to slide the rocker arm along its shaft to one extreme or the other and hold it there firmly when rocking the arm to make the measurement. There's enough "slop" in the system that you can sometimes get strange crosstalk in the reading that isn't an actual measure of clearance.

Rob

[lespaul]

Thanks Rob and dede911. I am going to pursue this avenue and will report back.

Brad

[joefrantz]

Originally Posted by lespaul

Thanks Joe. Nice job on the tool build.

What about something like this combo?

AGPtek® 7.8" Adjustable Magnetic Base Holder for Digital Level Dial Test Indicator Gauge: Dial Calipers: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

and this dial indicator which is only 83 mm long

803 A - Mahr Metrology

The gauge looks like a good size. Not sure about the mount though. Looks like it would be difficult to position and a magnetic base won't be that useful with all that aluminum around. Maybe if you fasten a small steel plate or square tube to a stud you could use the magnet. I think I would use the Stomski tool with the smaller gauge, or get their recommendation for a gauge.

[whiz05403]

Brad, I have the tool, I will sell it to you extremely cheap when we meet.

Mike