Gmask:


Factory instructions to check valve timing. This assumes cam is in place and rocker arms are installed.

1. "Turn engine in direction of normal rotation until #1 cylinder intake valve is in the same postions as used to check valve clearance." (lobe of cam exactly opposite where the rocker arm will touch the cam when it rotates round.)

2. "Insert feeler guage (at arrow) of sufficient thickness to remove all clearance." ( Arrow points to top of valve, between valve are rocker arm). I assume this means a slight drag, maybe a bit more, just like checking clearance, no more.

3. "Install dial indicator to read the travel of #1 cylinder intake valve. Set scale to "0"." (You will need to "preload" indicator about half and inch so that it reads as the valve moves away from the indicator. Dial indicator must, of course, be exactly parallel to valve travel direction! Tip can sit on edge of valve cap or on feeler gauge if stiff enough).

4. "Turn engine direction of rotation until dial indicator reads 0.016" (0.04mm). The vibration damper should be a correct degrees.

Valve timing is 11 degrees before top dead center (almost one crank rotation).

To check valve saftey clearance:

1. Adjust #1 cylinder intake valve to correct valve clearance.

2. Set engine to 5 degrees After Top Dead Center on intake stroke on #1 cylinder.

3. Mount dial indicator as in valve timing check and preload and zero. Do not preload valve.

4. Depress rocker arm and until valve touches piston (it stops). Note travel on dial indicator.

Minimum safety clearance: 0.9mm (0.036").

If the clearance is below that, you will need to either have the valve seats ground lower in the head, or replace the head.

Hope this clears things up.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!