Valve Clearance Adjustment Issues

[NJMarc]

I didn't want to double post this:

zerothread/192342

Also is there any aftermarket tool for removing the shims without pulling the cams out? And how off will I be by checking clearances cold apposed to warm?

FINALLY Is buying the smallest (most thin) shim the best way to go to get some baseline?

Thanks so much!

Marc

[rogoman]

Since you were using the FSM, the beginning of the chapter lists all the special tools that are needed. I've used those tools for changing the shims. You can probably get them from Mac Tools or Snap-On.

Checking the lifter clearance should be done while the motor is fully warmed up because that's going to be your running clearance. Checking it when the motor is stone cold is not advisable because the running clearance could end up being way off; Aluminum expands considerably.

If most of your lifters have no clearance, then maybe starting out with the smallest ones might be a good choice just to get some sort of baseline.

[NJMarc]

I totally understand expansion rates ect (I have a physics degree).

However I don't feel comfortable starting the car up and checking the clearances (even if I have to spend the 10 bucks a shim) warm, the lack of clearance doesn't make me that happy.

I'll check with the local MAC guy. It sucks Nissan can't be sourced for the tools.

Just found this:http://shoptoolsshoptools.com/shopexd.asp?id=2899

Placed my order.

Marc


Modified by NJMarc at 9:28 AM 8/18/2006

[rogoman]

However I don't feel comfortable starting the car up and checking the clearances (even if I have to spend the 10 bucks a shim) warm, the lack of clearance doesn't make me that happy.

Maybe you misunderstood me about checking the clearances when the motor is fully warmed up. After fully warming up the motor, SHUT THE MOTOR OFF; now you can check the clearances by manually turning the front of the crankshaft by a large ratchet wrench or by tapping the ignition switch momentarily.

I've done many motors this way; yes, the head can be hot to the touch.

You may be thinking of valve stem clearance checking with an idling motor; yes, I did those also; the Chevy small block.

[NJMarc]

Maybe you misunderstood me about checking the clearances when the motor is fully warmed up. After fully warming up the motor, SHUT THE MOTOR OFF; now you can check the clearances by manually turning the front of the crankshaft by a large ratchet wrench or by tapping the ignition switch momentarily.

I've done many motors this way; yes, the head can be hot to the touch.

You may be thinking of valve stem clearance checking with an idling motor; yes, I did those also; the Chevy small block.

I understood you the first time. The motor HAS NEVER BEEN STARTED, EVER! It is brand new. I read on Ka-T.org that cold clearance should be 0.012", some of my clearances are <0.005". I did the clay test to check for piston/valve clearance and i'm safe. Its just BEFORE I start the engine for the FIRST TIME I want to make sure I'm not going to float a valve or anything.

I guess the only other option would be to hot tank the head with the cams bolted on and check then, just not an option I can easily opt for.