Date:         Sat, 14 May 2005 08:01:04 -0400
Reply-To:     Matt Sutton <msutts@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Matt Sutton <msutts@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      First Valve adjustment: report and questions.
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Hi Folks,

In doing my spring time pre-emmissions test tune up (filters, plugs, cap,
rotor), I added on a valve adjustment. No problems to deal with there, but I
figured at nearly 200k on the clock it may be worth looking at.
 The job was easy, and actually kind of fun. All valves were very tight,
usually by 3-4 turns, and I backed them all out to the .006 setting. After
some initial clattering all was well as the engine warmed up and the lifters
repressurized.

    The question remains: what have I accomplished in doing this? Extended
the useful life of the valves? Improved overall performance/effciency? With
propperly functioning hydraulic lifters, does the adjustment just amount to
clattering or not?  Subjectively, the engine seems "looser" and maybe lacks
some power, but I can't be sure.
    My goals are simple. I'm just looking to optimize whats there as far as
efficiency and longevity are concerned.

thanks,

Matt Sutton
88 GL
Brooklyn NY