In the chilton's manual it says to allow for the engine to reach normal operating temperatures with the MC and HAI lines disconnected. It took a good 20 minutes to get the valve cover off shutting the engine down. Then I had to get the truck to TDC and all that...

My question is, do the tolerances change if the engine is allowed to cool off, or was the warming up sequence done so that the engine is lubricated thoroughly as you find TDC? The clearance was too big for cylinder one, and when I came back from getting one of my tools (had to go to the third floor of my dorm and come back) it had become alot tighter. This is why I ask.


Also, what would you expect to pay for a valve adjustment at a shop? I may just have someone else do it, since it has to be so exact.

 

Anyone??? I need to know because I plan on tackling this today if I can do it myself.

 

Yes, the tolerances do change as it cools down. Does the manual list any cold clearances? If not, I suggest having the tools and such ready to go as soon as you shut it off. Also, if finding TDC is slowing you down, then just turn it until the cam lobe is no longer activating the rocker arm. It is not really necessary to have it at TDC, but it will allow both valves in that cylinder to be adjusted at the same time.

 

You can usually expect the parts to "grow" by about 0.002" when hot so adjust your values and save yourself burnt fingers too.

 

Great! Thank you guys, now all I have to do is get past this dang headache and I can get out there