Valve adjustment stock 948

[61frogeye]

I have done a web search or 5, searched this and other forums and checked the WIKI with no luck: I want to do my first valve adjustment since getting my BE about 6 weeks ago. I have 2 manuals and one says set them to .012 hot, the other says .012 cold. Can anyone point me to a link or something that will give me known good information on this subject, not just the hot/cold issue but the whole job and how to go about it, it has been about 20 years since I have done one. No fear about it here, I just need a good guide.

Thanks

 

[aeronca65t]

Stock cam valve lash is .012 cold or shoot for about 0.015 warm to hot.

You can expect some valve tap from these engines.......quiet valves probably means too tight, which can burn valves.
When in doubt, a little looser (and noisier) is safer.

Use the "adds up to 9" system.

If # 1 is open (pushed down by rocker arm) completely, you would adjust # 8 because 1+8=9.
If #2 is completely open you adjust #7 because 2+7=9.

Etc.

To turn the engine, put the car in third gear and push the car slowly. Easier than "bumping" the engine with the starter to get the valves in the correct position.

 

[Billm]

As Hap said- set them a bit loose!
I set mine to .013 cold since I HATE burning valves!!
BillM

 

[nomad]

Check them regularly. I've been blaming the poor running of my MGA on a tank of old gas. Nope, closed up exhaust valves. Now I'm swapping heads since 2 valves were badly burned. I don't believe that A series BMC engines have as much trouble with exhaust valve recession though.

Kurt.

 

[PeterC]

As Hap said- set them a bit loose!
I set mine to .013 cold since I HATE burning valves!!
BillM

Hap?

 

[aeronca65t]

As Hap said- set them a bit loose!
I set mine to .013 cold since I HATE burning valves!!
BillM

Hap?

It's easy to confuse us two racers, but I'm the better-looking one. :laugh:

 

[JPSmit]

As Hap said- set them a bit loose!
I set mine to .013 cold since I HATE burning valves!!
BillM

Hap?

It's easy to confuse us two racers, but I'm the better-looking one. :laugh:

Yes you are and this is your best side.

 

[jlaird]

LOL

 

[aeronca65t]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Billm]

Sorry Nial I meant you but I respect you both about the same! (lots!!)
BillM

 

[aeronca65t]

No problem Bill.

But Hap has more Spridget knowledge in his big toe than I'll <span style="text-decoration: underline">ever</span> have!

 

[61frogeye]

I don't know about Hap's big toe, but thanks everyone for the valve adjust tips-good advice.

Today however, the weather is looking pretty decent around here, so I think I will combine running errands and Sprite driving taking the long and scenic routes.