Valve adjustment tools list

[westcoast911]

Hello all-

Just getting ready to do my first valve adjustment and wondering what those who have done it more than a few times have as far as specialty tool to make the job easier. Anything I should consider doing "while I'm in there"?

I need to make an order from out host, and want to make the job as easy as possible,but not really a fan of contraptions or unnecessary tools. I'm no stranger to adjusting valves on a common V8, but this is my first air cooled and I want to have what I need once I open things up.

Thanks!

[peppy]

feeler gauge extra blades (from host)
gasket kit with nuts & washers
13mm socket
13mm boxed wrench
flat screw driver

[fred cook]

Sears (Craftsman) makes a really neat socket set that is open all the way thru. Using the small ratchet, 13mm socket and a screwdriver you can hold the adjustment screw in place and tighten the locknut at the same time. I used this setup to adjust the valves during the rebuild of my SC engine. Works great!

[S2GART]

Are you doing the adjustment with the engine in or out of the car? I did my adjustment with the engine in place.

You will obviously need to buy the proper feeler gauge tool. I too bought extras blades, but managed to not break the one that came on the feeler gauge tool. It got a bit bent, but never broke.

If doing the job with the engine in place, you will need to jack up the back end and remove the wheels. Have a straight edge blade to clean off any residual gasket material.

A small inspection mirror with a flashlight will help see down inside.

You will also need a 24 mm socket (not deepwell) to turn the fan belt. Be sure to remove the sparkplugs to make turning the engine over, easier.

[JAR0023]

Not necessary but a 13mm offset box wrench will give you some knuckle clearance around the lower cover studs. If you leave your cat/pre-muffler in place you may find a stubby screwdriver easier than you basic 4-6" model.

I also agree with the poster above. Get the feeler gauge holder from Pelican and a couple of extra packs of gauges. You'll bend up the gauges pretty good figuring out the best way for you to insert them between the rocker and valve stem.

-J

[pete3799]

I'd advise against removing the plugs. Could dislodge some carbon and get it trapped under a valve (long shot but could happen).

[S2GART]

As for removing the sparkplugs, the Bentley manual says not too for the above reason, yet Wayne's book says to remove them. Having tried on other cars, rotating the engine with the plugs in, I opted to remove them.

[Porchdog]

Search the board for the "reverse" method of checking/setting the valves, using feeler gages as go/no-go.

I tried this on my last adjustment, after 20 year of doing it the "factory" way, I'm not going back.

[89PS911]

If your car has a catalytic converter, do your best to get the shield off the cat--it makes doing the driver's side lower valves A LOT easier.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by pete3799

I'd advise against removing the plugs. Could dislodge some carbon and get it trapped under a valve (long shot but could happen).

Always though this is a misconception... which has nothing to do with adjusting valve.

It could happened but if it was a certainty, nobody would ever replace their spark plugs.

[zelrik911]

Originally Posted by fred cook

Sears (Craftsman) makes a really neat socket set that is open all the way thru. Using the small ratchet, 13mm socket and a screwdriver you can hold the adjustment screw in place and tighten the locknut at the same time. I used this setup to adjust the valves during the rebuild of my SC engine. Works great!

That looks like a great solution. I would love to have that socket set in my toolbox. (Do you have a bit of tape around the top of the socket?)

Can you give more specific details of the set &/or more pics, so I can check them out on the Sears website.
Thanks
Peter in Oz