I was not going to do my first valve adjustment on my daily driver and then find out what I do not known about valve adjustments on the 617.

We all known the fear in the above statement. Well, I have been doing my own oils, and filters for over ten years and would bring the car in about every two years (20k to 30k) for things like valve adjustment and other things that we can find. I thought that if I can do my own valve adjustments (fear) I could be in even more control of this great daily driver. I ordered the valve adjustment kit with DVD, two 14mm wenches and gasket from Diesel Giant ($80) and made notes as I watched the DVD.

Made some changes: different linkage disconnect, bought 22mm box wrench for PS pulley instead of using 27mm on center crank and a $9 torque wench from Harbor Freight for the 11 ft/lbs valve nuts (no leaking) . Seeing someone do a valve adjustment makes all the difference. Took about 90 minutes and I feel very empowered (priceless)

Yes, the German wrenches would of saved me 10 minutes with the wide mouth put the DVD made the difference here. I give Diesel Giant the of approval.

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In scuba diving and skydiving as in life, if it isn't fun, your doing it wrong.

Original owner & daily driver, 1983 300SD 298,000 miles.

Good job.

Have no fear of the valve adjustment on the 617. Just requires some patience the first time you do it.

Now, removing the cylinder head.............there is cause for some trepidation on the first attempt.