Valve Adjustments
 

I read a number of posts recommending adjusting the valves. I have a 1983 300SD that seems to be running fine. I have 261,000 miles on it and everyone has me wondering if I should check the valves. My question is threefold
1) How do I know if it needs an adjustment
2) How complicated is it
3) Can i do it myself not being a deisel mechanic but pretty handy.

thank you - Dennis

The only way to "know" if the valves are okay is to check them. Adjusting them is "easy" depending on your skill level. If you can change a valve cover gasket, change out starters/alternators I would say it will be no problem. The actual valve adjusting can be difficult with standard 14mm wrenches but can be done if you are patient. That or buy/borrow the special wrenches. They can be had for $50-$75 and they pay for themselves in one adjustment. I use regular wrenches with no problems. Get yourself a manual, do a search on the topic and give it a shot. You might get lucky and the valve clearances will be fine, just a new gasket and you will be done. RT

Setting valves is nothing to be afraid of. As rwthomas has correctly written the job can be done, with some difficulty, with standard wrenches. I have done so many times.
Only other thing I would add would be to get a Haynes manuel. It has reasonable instructions and some useful photos on how to set the valves.

bent wrenches
 

I have to say that the first time was a PIA but after that I just did my new/old 300 in about 30 minutes one afternoon.

I made my own set of crude wrenches for this purpose by buying some cheapy wrenches and then heating them with a torch and then bending them with a cheater pipe. I used a picture of the hazet wrenches as my blueprint.

Worked out pretty good and if I can't get enough leverage with these cheapies then I pull out my standard wrench to break something loose...

I'm planning on making my own wrenches too. The local pawnshop should have a good supply of cheap wrenches to try with. Why cut up new ones if you don't have too, right? RT

I am particularly fond of this thread ::D

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=42187&highlight=bent+craftsman