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Turning your engine when adjusting your valves ?

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Fredrik

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Ok,
I'm about to convert to unleaded, and when I reach the point of adjusting the valve clearance I'd like to know what's the most easy way? I know about the 1-8 (=9) method, but I'm also quite interested in knowing what your best method of turning your engine is when adjusting the valves.

Oh, I almost forgot, I've got a -70 spitfire Mk3.

Cheers,
Fredrik
 
Re: Turning your engine when adjusting your valves

Hello Fredrik,
I run a 6 cylinder version of the Triumph engine, and use a spanner on the crank damper bolt.
I would check your manual for valve clearance setting, as the 6 cylinder engine is set so that two valves are set simultaneously, e.g. set 1 and 3 with valves 10 and 12 fully open. (Still follows the rule of 13 for a six)

Alec
 
Fredrik--The spanner works, but I simply put the car in gear, grab the front wheel of choice, and rock the car to the desired valve position. I do it this way since I have an electric rad cooling fan and it is inconvenient to access the crank bolt.
 
Re: Turning your engine when adjusting your valves

[ QUOTE ]
knowing what your best method of turning your engine is when adjusting the valves.

[/ QUOTE ]

I would guess you already have done so, but it is easier to turn the engine with the spark plugs removed.

Bruce
 
Re: Turning your engine when adjusting your valves

Hello Rick,
good exercise!!, I, too, have an electric fan but in front of the radiator so space is not a problem at all. I think the same will apply to a Spitfire.

Alec
 
Re: Turning your engine when adjusting your valves

Well this is where the TR3s have the advantage with their engine crank!

The front wheel push is a piece of cake provided you select 4th gear. Pushing on the top of the tire gives you a mechanical advantage that will easily move any but the most high compression engine.
 
I have a 78 Spitfire an I set on the front tire with the car in gear and rock it as needed.
Remember that when valve # 1 is aall the way depressed (open) you will need to adjust valve# 8 as it should be on the heel of cam and completely closed.
Yes it is so much easier with the spark plugs removed.
Good Luck /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif
 
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