Valve Adjustment Tool

[blurple124]

Hi everyone,

This past weekend I got the chance to open up the exhaust-side cam box and look at how to go about adjusting the valve clearances. I have done plenty of reading about how to take the measurements and do the tuning, but what I honestly can't figure out is how the tool I have is supposed to be used!

Intuitively, it should make sense, but when I use it, the "forks" wrap around the shim bucket rather than pushing it down. Does anyone have a picture of one of these things in use? Or better yet (thought far less likely) a video? Anything can help. I won't get another shot at it until Christmas, but I want to understand what I am up against.

[fiatmike124]

The tool doesnt push down the bucket, it holds it down. You have to insert the tool when the bucket is depressed by the cam, and then rotate the cam and let the bucket come up so tool holds it down. You should then be able to remove the shim with a small pick and tweezers. Make sure one of the slots on the bucket is centered and accessable before you depress the bucket and use the tool. Hope this helps.

[baltobernie]

... remove the shim with a small pick and tweezers

A shot of compressed air also helps.

Remember that many shims have a dished surface from wear, so take this into consideration when measuring and calculating the replacement size.

[blurple124]

Ah! That is the trick. Okay, thank you!

I look forward to another chance at it.

[Dougieb]

I just picked up my tool this week.
Looking forward to checking/adjusting my valves soon.

It sounds like you have to rotate the engine a lot to do this.
So what is the best way to rotate the engine?

I assume you pull the spark plugs first to make it easier to rotate.
Then put a socket on the crank pulley?
If so, then what size socket?
Or is there a better place?

[rlux4]

You read right, it will take a lot of engine turning. Definitely spark plugs out for ease. A ratchet on the crank pulley makes it a breeze, it'll take a 38 mm socket, but it may be easier to locate a 1-1/2" one, the difference in size is insignificant. I got mine from Sears. Just don't forget to take the ratchet off before you start the car, It will fly around, stop on the first obstruction and spin your crank pulley nut right off. Don't ask me how I know.
Ron