Valve adjustment on '87 3.2

[87turbolook911]

The previous owner said they did a valve adjustment recently, but after taking a look at the valve cover gaskets, I don't think so.

I'd like to learn how to do a valve adjustment myself, but am not sure if this is a project I'd like to tackle by myself the first time around.

Any NOVA Pelicanheads willing to help out. Not in a rush to do it, but would like to get it done before the spring.

How much should a reputable shop charge to do?

Thanks!

[john walker's workshop]

you of course know about wayne's book, don't you. barnes and noble, etc., get it.

[JDaniel]

It's relatively straight forward. Check out the tech article on this site, and buy Waynes book. There are also numerous posts on the same topic. Don't be afraid , just do it! You'll never have to pay $200-$300 again.

You'll need to buy new gaskets and a feeler guage (also from Pelican). Island911 may even have some of his custom tools left.

First timers take about 6 hours. After that you can drop times to 3 or 4 hours... or 2 if you're John Walker.

I don't know where Richard L. is located, but he seems to be completing the DIY circut.

[s_wilwerding]

Originally posted by JDaniel

First timers take about 6 hours. After that you can drop times to 3 or 4 hours... or 2 if you're John Walker.

It only took me and my father about 30 minutes.

[marcesq]

Vuster:

I would be glad to chaparone your first prom with the valves.

You will need a valve adjust kit that comes with new gaskets, crush washers, and nylock nuts. I have the tools to set the gap.

Good time to change the oil also, so get a case of your favorite oil and a filter.

If you don't have a garage, we can do it at my place, but it will have to wait until Jan. (I have one engine out, and other coming out in the next few weeks).

If you have a garage, the time would be more flexable.

Send me your e-mail address in a PM.

[JDaniel]

30 minutes? Was the motor out of the car?

Hell, it takes me 30 minutes just to jack up the car, take off the airbox & heat ducting, and remove the valve covers...

[marcesq]

Originally posted by JDaniel
30 minutes? Was the motor out of the car?

Hell, it takes me 30 minutes just to jack up the car, take off the airbox & heat ducting, and remove the valve covers...

Dan:

I can't make it in 30 min with the motor OUT of the car

[Rick Lee]

Marcesq and I are getting so fast at engine R&R, that I'd bet we can almost drop the engine adjust the valves and reinstall in about the same time it takes a first timer to adjust the valves with the engine in the car. If you have other stuff to fix, like leaks or the G50 clutch update, kill a few birds with one stone and drop that engine. It's really a cinch - and a lot of fun too.

[87turbolook911]

maybe I could hook up with you guys and bring my ride down for you to take a look. Let you make recomendations as to what to tackle and then I'll order the parts.

I'm getting pretty excited about wrenching on my ride and knowing that someone will have my back in the event I foul things up

[Rick Lee]

Just remember that wherever you plan to do the work, drive your car there the previous night, as it must be stone cold for a valve adjustment. The standard green gasket kit contains everything you need for the gaskets. Maybe grab some new spark plugs. Marc, Doug and I have the feeler tools and then you just need whatever you use to change the oil, a socket wrench and some jack stands. Oh, on your car, you may have to remove the cat to get to the lower left valve cover - another reason to have the car cold and a great time for that Fabspeed Euro pre-muffler upgrade.

[yelcab1]

Well, I know some of you purists will slam me for this, but I once (or maybe twice) adjusted the valves without replacing the valve cover gaskets. They still did not leak, so ...

Don't judge the valve adjustment by its valve cover gaskets !

[DavidPorter]

Another event for the calendar. Keep me posted. I've adjusted a lot of valves but never on a 911. We could do a video.

[s_wilwerding]

Originally posted by JDaniel
30 minutes? Was the motor out of the car?

Hell, it takes me 30 minutes just to jack up the car, take off the airbox & heat ducting, and remove the valve covers...

In all honesty, that was with the oil already drained and the heater hoses already removed. The thirty minutes was popoff the valve covers, adjust, put valve covers back on. Also, my dad is very experienced - it would take a first-timer much longer to do.

[87turbolook911]

on making a video....does that mean you'll volunteer to be the producer

I bet if we added some models and test run footage, we'd have a best seller on our hands