I have just had a 1996 Felicia 1.3 lxi bought for me as my first car .I find the car very easy to drive although the steering is a little stiff.

My Dad wants to adjust the valve clearances. Can someone advise if they are adjusted with the engine hot or cold and what are the inlet and exhaust settings? Does the rule of 9 apply?

I have no idea what the above means as I am reading it from a note written by my Dad.

:thumbup:Your help would be appreciated

I'm sure someone who's done valve clearances will be along shortly, and FWIW "rule of 9" is a meaningful thing to ask. I can explain what it is if you're interested.

On the steering point, did you learn on a car with Power Assisted Steering (PAS)? If so, driving something without will feel heavier to start with, but you'll get used to it. Tips for reducing actual or perceived steering weight, in order I'd do them:-

1) Check the tyre pressures are correct. If they're low, it makes the steering heavy, wears the tyres faster, and makes the car use more fuel.

2) If you can do so comfortably, sit more upright and/or a notch or 2 nearer the steering wheel, which gives you better leverage, and makes the steering easier to trun.

3) Do not, unless forced, try and turn the steering unless the car's moving. This honestly does help.

4) If the front tyres are well-worn, replace them. There's no obvious science behind this, but it does work.

Thank you for your help much appreciated I'll get my dad onto it when he gets home from work.

the cold valve clearances are

0.25mm for the intake valves

0.20mm for the exhuast valves

poor old dad caught again lol

If following the Haynes manual instructions for valve clearance setting make sure you remove the oil splash plate BUT then refit it's bolt as this will cause you to set them incorrectly else. I have mentioned this on a post about checking the clearances before so you may of already seen it.

My wife's 1.3 LXi is also heavy on the steering - thats because there's no power steering.

to make it easier you must keep the tyres pumped up - I set them at the 'fully loaded' pressure on the front even though there's only ever us 2 + the dogs (westies) in the car.

The pressure setting should be on the fuel filler flap.

you will also find that worn tyres (especially those nearly at the minimum tread depth) can give a heavier feel to the steering at low speeds.

enjoy your new car - you've choosen wisely !!!!!!!!

Baz

oh, and by the way on the tires, make shure there not to wide, 185 is a nice size, anything above that will make the steering feel heavier,

i dont kow what the rule of 9 is can someone explain

i dont kow what the rule of 9 is can someone explain

8 valves in total. Number them left to right. When valve 1 has opened (spring compressed), check and adjust number 8. For 2 adjust 7. Idea is each of these values equals 9