Date:         Sun, 9 Dec 2001 20:22:11 -0800
Reply-To:     Steve Sullivan <steveis@SPEAKEASY.ORG>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Steve Sullivan <steveis@SPEAKEASY.ORG>
Subject:      Did I adjust my valves/lifters right?
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

After a partial engine rebuild on my 1984 1.9L about 5,000 miles ago, I
decided it was time to check if the lifters and valves were adjusted
correctly, especially after a compression test revealed odd results.

Here's how I did it, can someone please tell me if I did it wrong,
especially the amount of preload. I've read Boston Bob's article and others,
but they all talk about what to do at rebuild time, and I don't know if that
applies.

I first warmed up the engine a bit and checked that there was no lifter
noise.

1) after bringing cylinder to TDC, loosened adjusting lock nut

2) back off adjuster until it no longer touched valve stem

3) tighten adjuster until contact with valve

4) tighten adjuster 1/4 to 1/2 a turn

5) lock down lock nut

6) move on to next cylinder

Is 1/4 to 1/2 turn enough? Too much? Afterward, the engine ran the same and
there was no lifter noise.

I'm especially concerned about one valve, it was "spongy" and I could never
tell when the adjuster contacted the valve and took up any slack in the
assembly, so I guessed. How can I be sure it's OK?

Thanks in advance!!

Steve