Okay, I've heard a few people talking about taking a 14mm wrench and bending it so they can adjust their valves.

Please keep in mind that I haven't taken a look at the valvetrain on the 5 cyl diesel, but I'm having trouble picturing why this would be necessary. I've adjusted the valves on my old '74 VW Bug, and I checked the valves on my old '80 IH Scout (they were all within spec), but I haven't dealt with adjusting the valves on an overhead cam engine.

So, why is the "special" wrench necessary? Or is it just to make life easier? Can it be done with "normal" tools? I don't have access to a torch, so bending a wrench by myself isn't much of an option (short of a vise and a BFH)...does this mean I'd have to go out and buy a special tool?

Just wanting to know...thanks!

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2001 VW Jetta TDI, 5 speed, daily driver
1991 Ford F-350, work in progress
1984 Ford F-250 4x4, 6.9l turbo diesel, 5 speed manual
Previous oilburners: 1980 IH Scout, 1984 E-350, 1985 M-B 300D, 1979 M-B 300SD, 1983 M-B 300D
Spark-free since 1999