m117 valve adjustment

[vandor]

I should be getting the heads back from the machine shop on Thursday.
Is there anything special I should know about adjusting valve clearances on a 'mechanical' (not hydraulic) m117?
When I took the heads apart I tried to unscrew one of the large adjustment nuts and it seemed to really not want to come loose. I did not force it for fear that there is something I should know about...
Thanks,

Csaba
'72 280SEL 4.5

[Tony H]

If you have the means to install the rockers after you install the cams (a simple home made tool can compress the valve spring down far enough to slip in the rocker) then you don't have to back off the adjustment when you install the cams. You don't want the valve spring pressure pushing on the cams as you install them. The small adjusting nut below the ball is where the adjustment is made. You will need a crow's foot wrench or the proper tool. The adjustment is very stiff so if you use some Harbor Freight crow's foot wrenches they will strip the adjusting nut:-(

[vandor]

OK, thanks.

Csaba

[Tomguy]

Sunex 9710M 3/8-Inch Drive Metric Crowfoot Flare Nut Wrench Set, 10-Piece - Amazon.com
This is the set I got (except I got it $10 cheaper & free shipping when I got it). No need to spend a fortune - you can get just the one you need (17mm if memory serves) but having the set came in handy for me for other stuff (mainly PS pump replacement on 2 other cars).

[vandor]

OK, now I realize why I need those. The exhaust side camtower bolts are also headbolts, so the lash cannot be adjusted with the heads off the engine. Sigh...

Csaba

[vandor]

Does the timing mark on the washer that goes behind the cam sprocket line up with the sprocket's key? It can be installed like this, or 180 degrees out.

This is from the junkyard cam and I had to take the sprocket off to take the timing chain off.
Thanks,

Csaba