I'm no mechanical expert, but I wanted to check my valve clearance and adjust it if necessary...

So, my question is: Is this a HARD or dangerous thing to do? I'm mechanically inclined, but have never done this before... What tools would I need, how much do I have to take appart, etc?

Any help appreciated,
Aaron

 

It isn't hard to do, but you should get a Helm's manual before doing it. It would be easy to screw up, if you don't follow the steps or use the right specs (clearances, torque settings, etc.).

 

The process goes something like this.. Remove the valve cover. Move crank to top dead so that cylinder number one is at top dead center. I don't know what size bolt is on the crank pulley, you'll have to figure that out. You can tell if cylinder number 1 (towards the front of the car) is at top dead center when the exhaust cam is pointing up left, and the intake cam is pointing up right. Now your valves should be all the way up and relaxed for cylinder one. Then use a feeler guage to figure out how much clearance between the retainer and the pin.

There is a bolt on the top of the valve retainer which needs to be loosed, then there is a screw which you can adjust to change the clearance. Once clearance is changed and is satisfactory, then you have to tighten the bolt again.

Turn the crank half way until cylinder 3 is at TDC, repeat, then cylinder 4, then 2.. I think that's the firing order.

Go through all the cylinders with your guage to make sure they are all adjusted correctly. Install valve cover.

Anyways, you need the helm manual for clearances, and also to double check the firing order. I just wanted to give you an idea of what was involved.

Chris

 

Chris, how long did it take you to take off the valve cover your first time?

And can I use an extremely accurate caliper type gauge, or do I need a valve specific feeler gauge?

Thanks, Barrett...

 

We just did this about a week ago Aaron with Aaron (blue S2000)!

Pretty easy to do. You need a crows foot, socket extension, socket wrench, and a flat head screw driver. You also need a feeler guage 27 for Intake and 23 for Exhaust.

Follow the directions about TDC for each cylinder and your are done.

My car runs like a sewing machine at idle!

 

I'll add that feeler guages angled at 45 degrees makes the job easier.

I'll also add, that in addition to the Helm manual, it is a good idea to have someone experienced with valve adjustment help the first time you do this. There is a "feel" that you need to develop to tell when the valve clearance is correct.

This is not a hard or dangerous task - but a little knowledge allows you to do the job properly. I enjoy working on my cars, and ever since owning a '68 VW (anyone remember adjusting valves every 3k miles ), I've done my own valve adjustments.

 

Removing the valve cover takes all of 45 seconds. I believe there are 4 12mm bolts that hold it on, pull out the crank case vent tube, the coil packs ... and.. dip stick.

Chris

 

A caliper will not work. The feeler guage has to be able to slide down into a space you can't even see, and have just a little drag on it.

The valve cover comes off easily if you detach the wiring harnesses that are on the firewall. You have to manuever it just a little to lift it off.

 

Note to first timers:
Engine must be stone-cold before adjusting. Like overnight.

I have yet to do the adjustment on my s2000, but a while back folks suggested a 10mm crow's foot socket wrench to help. I have one sitting in my tool box for when I get around to doing a valve adjustment. Only a few bucks from Sears.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by cjb80
[B]

"...There is a bolt on the top of the valve retainer which needs to be loosed, then there is a screw which you can adjust to change the clearance.