i spent the whole day at Prolene's place doing work on the car. 3 things i wanted to do today was:

1. put the stock airbox/Minuni CF duct (formerly known as the IDi CF duct) back
2. install the prototype Minuni front sway bar
3. adjust the valves

putting the airbox back was not much of a problem, but while removing the stock front sway bar (of course i didn't consult the Helm manual first), i noted that it was taking an EXTREMELY long time to undo the 2 nuts holding the bar on either side. i swear i was down under the car for like 5 minutes trying to remove one of the nutst, and it seems that the nut didn't move one bit up the bolt even though it was turning counter-clockwise like a champ. ok, so i called someone i knew (of course he didn't answer the phone! j/k). and then i got back down under the car again, and tried and tried until my arms were sore and burning. feeling frustrated, i found the Helm manual and took a look at the instructions and - it seems you need a hex wrench to keep the bolt from moving while removing the nut, so all the while i was turning the entire nut/bolt assembly



ok, lesson learned, always read the instructions.

 

how did the valve adjustment go? I'm planning on doing this in a few weeks. Looking at the helm manual it doesn't look that difficult at all. Thoughts?

And btw, I heard the beeping voicemail darnit. The phone doesn't ring or vibrate or anything when its charging. =/ (Nokia 8290 - Voicestream) I called you immediately back! *thpppppppt*

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Schatten
[B]how did the valve adjustment go?

 

How often do you do the valve adjustment?

 

Rick - The service manual recommends 105k miles or whenever the valves are noisy. Like Richard, I did mine anyway at 23k miles. Only 2 of the intake valves were out of spec, but there was a noticeable improvement in engine smoothness. It took about 2 hours to do a careful job.

Here's a link to a very informative thread on valve adjustments: https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...alve+adjustment

 

Damn, when I had the valve cover off on Saturday I should have checked them -- I have only 11,000 miles, but it would have been good to know if they were all still within spec. I just never thought to do it

 

You did a nice job on the valve adjustment, Mingster!

 

Re: the valves. Was there a pattern? Were they all loose or all tight?

 

All the same make?

 

couldn't have done it without your expert instructions!