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Published 2008

311 Engine Valve Adjustment Section

First off, start the engine and warm it up to full operating temperature. Things tend to expand when hot. You can do valve adjustment either hot or cold but hot is the preferred method.

Next, remove the valve cover. Both valves for each cylinder may be adjusted while they are fully closed on the compression stroke. After the valves have closed, turn the engine another quarter turn to insure the the cam is not exerting pressure on the valves. This is easy to see on the 2 liter overhead cam but impossible with the R motor.

Loosen the lock nuts. Insert the proper size feeler gauge between the valve stem and the rocker arm on the 1600 or between the cam lobe and the cam follower on the 2 liter. Valve clearances hot for the 1600 are .017 intake and .017 exhaust. Valve clearances hot for the 2 liter are .008 intake and .012 exhaust. Tighten the adjuster screw until there is a slight drag on the feeler gauge. Tighten the lock nut and recheck. You may have to do this several times to get it right.

After adjusting the valves for the first cylinder, turn the engine in the normal direction of rotation until the valves for the next cylinder in the firing order close. I use a big socket on the crank pulley to do my rotating. Removing the spark plugs relieves the pressure from compression and makes it easier as well. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Repeat this procedure until all valves have been adjusted.

Install the valve cover being careful not to over tighten the valve cover nuts. Many a valve cover has been cracked due to over tigtening. That is pretty much all there is to a valve adjustment. Now, take a top down ride to put a big smile on your face.

Another Method

WHEN THIS VALVE IS

ALL THE WAY OPENADJUST THIS VALVE
#4 exhaust#1 exhaust
#4 intake#1 intake
#3 intake#2 intake
#3 exhaust#2 exhaust
#2 exhaust#3 exhaust
#2 intake#3 intake
#1 intake#4 intake
#1 exhaust#4 exhaust

SET AT .017" "HOT"