This winter I committed to getting to know my car a little better mechanically and to addressing a couple of issues. Last week I pulled both axles to address a CV problem, and today I pulled the spark plugs and the rocker covers: I had the valves adjusted about a year ago but there remains a steady clacking so I want to adjust those. From our host I have got a replacement distributor cap, rotor, plugs, silicone valve cover gaskets, two new axles and the bits and bobs to correctly reinstall them, and rebuild kits for the front calipers. I have spent many hours pouring over these forums studying up on the CV/axle question (thanks to Grady for his feedback some time ago), and also the threads on valve adjustments. Now I need some advice. After about 1 1/2 hours struggling to get the rockers on number one adjusted I came to the conclusion that there was a real reason I paid so much for someone else to do it! Is it really possible to adjust the valves with the motor in, or would I be assured of a better job if I pull the motor? (Man, the big ole V8's I played with in my youth were a lot simpler!) I developed a good oil leak during track day at Pacific Raceways last summer that I would like to clean up, and I suspect that the engine may need some top-end work after 106K miles but I am not ready to do thi$ yet. Maybe I am just working up the courage to pull the engine, and I guess if I do it once to adjust the valves and clean the oil messes I could pull it again if I need to do some more serious work. Number two plug is a real mess but the other plugs look good. I am also confused by the gap on my plugs: they are all at .035 but the manual says .028. Which is correct? Sorry for the long winded request but I love this car and I want to treat it right (and I want to drive it again soon!). Summary: 1)can I adjust valves properly with engine in? 2)what is the correct gap for a '88 3.2? 3)why is my number two plug such a mess? Thanks in advance.
