Think I have it sorted now.

Edit more problems :(

I have made an attempt at adjusting the valve clearances and have rotated the engine for ages and cannot understand when a valve is fully open. I have been using the put it in 5th and jack up a wheel then rotate it forward method mentioned by someone here.

Is the valve fully open when the bit with the spring is as high as it goes? I understand to adjust the one opposite but they all seem at the same height. Should the one opposite seem to be open too or should it be closed?

If the clearance was correctly adjusted before would the thickness gauge slide right in?

Query urgent as have adjusted some and not 100% sure what I'm doing.

TIA

All sorted now I think

Are you really sorted? I've got space in the garage, and here's a once in a lifetime offer - if you can get to Heckmondwike (WF15 9LJ) next saturday lunchtime(ish) I'll have a go at setting the valve clearances for you. It'll only take about 15 - 20 mins.

Let me know soon...

Cheers,

Simon H

(In an unusually benevolent mood!)

It just took me a long while to figure it all out for a job that the Haynes manual says is easy, and the Haynes manual didn't give a detailed explanation of the procedure (just something about being on the heel of the cam which didn't explain what the valves should be doing).

I eventually figured it out and did it again for a third time (the first time the engine sounded bad, and the second time I stupidly rushed it) and took time and great care adjusting and checking. I turned engine until one valve spring was fully compressed and adjusted the opposite one (which was uncompressed), and used 2 sets of feeler gauges, one .20mm and the other .25mm, if .25mm didn't fit I assumed it had to be less than that. Think I could do it much quicker next time.

Thanks very much for the offer though, very much appreciated

I gave up on the feeler guages when I did mine. After 4 attempts I came to the conclusion that the rockers have become a bit cupped so I set them 'by feel' like I used to do with old Fords back in the 1980's. I adjusted the screw 'til the pushrod just got tight to turn and then backed of a bit so that I could feel a little bit of end float in the pushrod. No more clattering like a diesel and it sounds nice and sweet.

Simon H