BoostedK

I know there are several topics out there but I can't seem to get a clear answer, so i would greatly appreciate any help!

My questions are

Do you have to compress the springs or can you just adjust the nut after you measure the spacing while each side is at TDC?

How can you tell if each is at TDC, which is the easiest method with minimum hassle?

My last question: Can you re-use the stock valve cover gasket when putting back together with using a specific bond? Or can you just pop back on.

Again, any help is appreciated!

BoostedK

Stratocaster

You do not compress the string to adjust the the valves. The adjustment is al about the clearance between the valve and and rocker tip.

Yes, you can reuse the valvel cover gasket. Just clean it up and reuse. I personally would change it while I as at it. They are fairly cheap and cleaning up the oil is a mess if it leaks because of age.

BoostedK

Alright, So I can just check clearence and adjust accordingly?

How about the best way to check for TDC for each cyl?

Thanks, greatly appreciated.

Stratocaster

Follow the Helm's manual. Buy one here http://www.helminc.com/helm/homepage.asp?r=

ChefJ

I drop a long plastic tube down each cylinder to help with finding TDC. You can turn the crank until it rises to the top and you are there. For the first cylinder its marked with arrows on the wheels. But like Stratocaster said use the helms.

Mark_Z28

Easiest way to check the valves is to adjust the valves that have the rockers on the base circle of the cam, the part opposite the cam lobe. Crank the engine and adjust the ones on the base circle, turn the engine again and so on.

Avionics86

Check Ebay for a used shop manual and you can get a valve adjustment tool to make it easier. Found this one on Amazon.com for around $12. Good Luck

BoostedK

Im going in referance to alldatas tutorial, its pretty straight forward except not in finding TDC, it just shows to rotate the pulley 180 degrees and the camshaft gears will turn 90 degrees at each cyl and cyl1 is marked like you said.

Ill give it a shot this weekend, thanks guys.

Stratocaster

If you watch the cam gears, you will clearly see that the cams are fully released. The adjustment is less about the piston being at TDC, and more about the cams, rockers and valves being unbound.

If you are going to work on this motor, and don't go out and buy the Helms manual (75 new, 45 on eBay) you are goin to spent a ton of time posting question here.

sharptech

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