Additional tips on valves
Date: Wed, 23 Jul 1997 09:14:40 -0400
From: Selden Deemer
Subject: Re: valve adjustment
Jeff Gum writes:
>A good write-up on this is at:
>http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/hmr/valves.txt
Nice write-up. I would add only a few comments:
1. Disconnect cooling hoses and remove the thermostat assembly before
attempting to remove the front valve cover. It *may* be possible
to get that sucker out without doing so, but your knuckles will
appreciate the greater clearances provided. I figure if it's
time to adjust the valves, it's time to change coolant as well.
2. Procedure suggests coating the valve cover gaskets with oil
before reassembly. I disagree, and use silicone gasket maker
(gray, black, blue, red; color is your choice). A very *small*
amount will do. When you tighten the nuts, excess silicone will
squeeze out. Wait 30 minutes, then rub off the excess. I did my
valves about 4 months ago and don't have a hint of oil seepage.
Alternately, you can order new valve cover gaskets, this isn't
necessary if you use silicone, assuming the old gaskets are in
basically good shape. Note that step #1 is pretty much essential
to being able to slide the front valve cover in place without
getting silicone where it shouldn't be, and without damaging the
gasket.
3. While everything is apart, take a little extra time to clean
up under there. To protect against accidents, cover the carb
throats with baggies/rubber bands, or use condoms.
My only other comments are to have a comfortable stool to sit
on, do it in the shade, and allow 2-4 hours, depending on how
many minor things go wrong (like hose clamps that won't loosen),
maybe a radio, and a pitcher of something non-alcoholic to drink
if it's hot. Take your time and make the best of a tedious process.
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Selden Deemer PHONE: 404-727-0271
Emory University Libraries FAX: 404-727-0053
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Date: Wed, 23 Jul 1997 08:15:08 -0500
From: Robb Zimdars
Subject: Re: valve adjustment
Selden Deemer wrote:
>
> 2. Procedure suggests coating the valve cover gaskets with oil
> before reassembly. I disagree, and use silicone gasket maker
> (gray, black, blue, red; color is your choice). A very *small*
> amount will do. When you tighten the nuts, excess silicone will
> squeeze out. Wait 30 minutes, then rub off the excess.
If you have excess gasket maker squeezing out during reassembly, you'll also have it squeezing IN ... into
your engine, that is, where it doesn't belong. Use very sparingly, if you have to use it at all. The better
place to use sealant is in the valve cover groove, where it can hold the molded gasket to the valve cover.
Hondabond works well for this; I've been using it since it was recommended to me years ago by a Suzuki
mechanic. Just another opinion.
Robb Z
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Date: Wed, 23 Jul 1997 11:16:01 -0400
From: Selden Deemer
Subject: Re: valve adjustment
Rob Zimdars writes:
>If you have excess gasket maker squeezing out during reassembly, you'll
>also have it squeezing IN ... into your engine, that is, where it doesn't
>belong. Use very sparingly, if you have to use it at all. The better
>place to use sealant is in the valve cover groove, where it can hold
>the molded gasket to the valve cover.
Agreed.
Use the smallest amount possible, and to place it on the outer half of
each side of the gasket, so that if any squeezes out, it ends up on the
outside, rather than the inside of the engine. A *very* thin layer
suffices -- we're only trying to make an oil-tight seal, not to mold
an entire new gasket. And, if the old gaskets feel at all stiff or
have any cracks or damage, they should be replaced.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selden Deemer PHONE: 404-727-0271
Emory University Libraries FAX: 404-727-0053
ATLANTA, GEORGIA EMAIL: libssd@emory.edu
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
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