I have 1986 Nissan with 128K miles with the z 24 engine and I have a definite lifter knock for one of the cylinders. Been going on for a good while and have been wanting to adjust the valve lash. Truck runs fine otherwise but, I know if I don't adjust the valves then, it most likely lead to some other problems.

What is involved in adjusting the valves in this vehicle.

Thanks,
Dave in NC

Tools required are: small flathead screwdriver, wrench for locknut (12mm?), and a feeler gauge. I found it easier to set the lash with the engine cold rather than hot because I didn't have to race through the operation before everything cooled off. When you set the locknut the lash might pull back slightly out of spec, so re-measure each one as you go along until you feel that it is good to go. Work on each valve as the camshaft lobe is pointing away from the rocker arm. The cold specs are: intake--.008in, exhaust--.009in.

You will need to turn the crankshaft in order to move the cam lobes where you need them. You can do this with a socket (19mm?) and ratchet.

I had the plugs out on the pass side for ease of rotation. + 1 for cold setting, too much hassle for warm setting. Hope this helps, made a nice improvement on noise reduction and power.

Thanks. This is the place to come for information on Nissan for sure.

Dave in NC

is it basically the same for KA24e engine in a 91? I have to replaced valve cover gasket and may as well check the lash while in there.

KA24E's have hydraulic tipped rockers. They can still tick, though, if they are gunked up.

ANYONE HAVE DETAILED STEPS LIKE FASTBOATMAN DOES FOR CARB REBUILD, VAC DIAGRAM AND BALL JOINTS. THIS IS SO IMPORTANT TO GET RIGHT. MY 85 z24 WAS FINE BUT NEEDED A VALVE GASKET AND THOUGHT TO ADJUST VALVE LASH. IVE PUT TOGETHER ALL INFO FROM PARTIAL.EXPLAINATIONS EVERYWHERE AND NOW ITS WORSE. ITS MY ONLY RIDE MY LIFELINE.FOR FOOD/SHELTER. IF SOMEONE HAS FOUND COMPLETE STEPS THEY COULD UNDERSTAND THAT WORKED PLEASE HELP ME!!!

wow SHOUTING much?

Fastboatman. Please do a valve adjustment tutorial and post it. Ill delete all this afterwards and dont mean to embarrass. Il try adjusting them cold today and other ways if needed if i find perfection ill post back but i barely get this posted with slow cell service.
Im sure many 720's run after a valve adjustment only to break down within 3k. Is how many end up on craigslist or the junkyard- i had a damn good running good looking 720 last week.. Btw my H carb still right after 3rd year after rebuild for me to accomplish it..awesome 47k miles so far. many thanks.
Anyone else need a perfect valve lash tutorial for 85-86 years please mention it. Thanks.

Update. After setting lash cold and a test drive it still had some missing at hard acceleration. I.found that somehow i switched In1 and In2 plugwires. SOB! But relieved Its 95% and good enough to drive. Sorry for all the previous rambling. Able to go find work now thanks to Nicoclub.