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Tips
Tips

alloy valve covers

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19_again

19_again

Jedi Warrior
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Are they really quieter or just prettier? On the same subject, anytips about adjusting the tappets other than the obvious? Been a few decades since the last time I did it.
 
I think they're quieter. And yes I think they dress up an engine bay quite well.

Even an emissions legal late model like mine.

EFI3.jpg


As for adjusting them - I can't add anything other than just to take your time and double check the settings.
 
My take may be anecdotal, but when I switched from the stock valve cover to an alloy valve cover I noticed a reduced level of valve clatter from the driver's position. Of course, an alloy valve cover is not even close to being a substitute for having properly adjusted valve lash.

Probably the best tip for adjusting your valve lash is to set the parking brake, remove the spark plugs, and putting the car in neutral. Doing this allows you to turn the engine using the fan belt(s) so you can adjust the lash on the next valve.

Also, I believe a rule of thumb would be to adjust on the "rule of 9s" (did I get that right?). That is when you set your valves for adjustment, you'd do 1 & 8, 2 & 7, 3 & 6, 5 & 4... I may have that skewed a little. So, maybe it might be better to wait for someone more knowledgeable to pipe up on the adjustment order...
 
Nunyas said:
My take may be anecdotal, but when I switched from the stock valve cover to an alloy valve cover I noticed a reduced level of valve clatter from the driver's position. Of course, an alloy valve cover is not even close to being a substitute for having properly adjusted valve lash.
Click to expand...
Great point. When the mechanic installed my EFI kit he checked & adjusted the valves. And right now with the alloy valve cover on you actually notice the fuel injector ticking more than the valves.
 
An alloy cover should quiet the tappet noise somewhat but not completely. In a couple months when my '65 is finally back on the road, I will probably be the only guy on the road driving a supercharged MGB with a stock valve cover. I hope to annoy all the other SC owners with their flashy engine bay accessories. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif
 
Nunyas said:
Also, I believe a rule of thumb would be to adjust on the "rule of 9s" (did I get that right?). That is when you set your valves for adjustment, you'd do 1 & 8, 2 & 7, 3 & 6, 5 & 4... I may have that skewed a little. So, maybe it might be better to wait for someone more knowledgeable to pipe up on the adjustment order...
Click to expand...

Correct, rule of nine's is good, turn engine until 8 is open, adjust 1, crank until 7 open, adjust 2, etc

taking plugs out is a good idea, makes job easy, no harm in cleaning and checking gap whilst your at it.
 
While you are in there, retorque the head.
 
burgundyben said:
Nunyas said:
Also, I believe a rule of thumb would be to adjust on the "rule of 9s" (did I get that right?). That is when you set your valves for adjustment, you'd do 1 & 8, 2 & 7, 3 & 6, 5 & 4... I may have that skewed a little. So, maybe it might be better to wait for someone more knowledgeable to pipe up on the adjustment order...
Click to expand...

Correct, rule of nine's is good, turn engine until 8 is open, adjust 1, crank until 7 open, adjust 2, etc

taking plugs out is a good idea, makes job easy, no harm in cleaning and checking gap whilst your at it.
Click to expand...
ah, yup I knew there was something wrong with my explanation of the "Rule of 9s"... *smacks forehead*
 
Yeehaw, that's the whole job detailed and spelled out very nicely. Thanks all! Next rainy day, ayuh.
 
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