Making Valve Adjustment Wrenches

[rrgrassi]

Dang it, still no tools yet. We did get the small piece cut from the 30 mm socket. My helper had to go to Boston, and has been working on a prototype machine for a customer.

Sorry for the delay.

[Stevo]

I made a set and used 1/4" pipe as handles welded to the wrench but I cut one of the handles down to about 3 inchs (a real stubby) which works very well in the top position after the nuts are broken lose. I use a steel rod handle extension in the "stubby" for a "cheater" when breaking them lose. The stubby" is much less awkward too use

[rrgrassi]

Friday, my wrenches were finished. After the time and material calculation, including abrasive water jet, welding and heating, bending and re-hardening the wrenches it would cost $60 plus the cost of wrenches and shipping. I paid $20 for two 14 mm box wrences and 30 mm socket.

It looks like people are better off either making thier own or just buying the Hazet or Diesel Giant's set.

I have to do some grinding on the 3rd or valve keeper wrench as the handle stock is too thick and does not let you turn just the lock nut.

Sorry for getting people's hopes up. I was hoping to have a cheaper alternative to "give back" to the forum.

[tobybul]

Might help if you post pics of what the wrenches look like. When I did the valve adj recently, I got "long" 14mm wrenches from Sears and bent them using a torch. For a job done only once in a long while, this should be good enough unless the price is too good to pass up....

[rrgrassi]

Pics are a good idea. I was just disgusted by the pricing, so pics were furthest from my mind.

Valve adjust went well, all valves were tight. I removed the fan so I could turn the crank from above. I can say the crank got harder to turn with each cylinder being adjusted. Idle is much smoother and quieter, hardly any smoke at startup, better acceleration. I did not check for chain stretch, but I will next time. There was no sludge build up, so I am happy about that.

[Old300D]

I bought my Hazet wrenches off eBay for $35 (new). Right tool for the job, and the right price too.

[rrgrassi]

Originally Posted by Old300D

I bought my Hazet wrenches off eBay for $35 (new). Right tool for the job, and the right price too.

I kept getting out bid for the Hazets on prior searches. You got a really good deal there.

[tobybul]

Bent with torch on vise....

[Stevo]

I'd be up for a set, If the price is right. I made some but I didn't use good wrenchs now there are more like 15mm
Thanks for doing this