Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Setting the valves

There was a recent post on Jag Lovers asking if anyone had ever got the valves set correctly the first try.  I though I had it when all the exhaust settings were spot on at factory spec, then I went on to check the intake settings and they were all over the place!  I posted a page of the note book and you'll be able to see that it was a PITA.  I took a lot of pictures just to document the different aspects of setting the valves so that if I have second thoughts I can go back and look.

The valve gap is created by using shims of various thicknesses that fir under the tappet buckets.  In this picture you can see the shims in place on top of the valve stems on the exhaust side.

The rag is stuffed in the chest to catch any bolts that fumble fingers might drop.  That would be really bad news and likely require complete disassembly of the bottom of the engine!

Tappet buckets sitting on top of the shims, each one is marked to go back in the same bucket guide.



Each time you have to remove the cam and replace the shim, each time trying to get just a bit closer to the correct spec. of 6/1000 ths" for exhaust and 4/1000 ths" intake.  Great care has to be taken to keep the cams in the correct position during the installation of the cams, if they pop out of position it could damage the valves requiring a complete rebuild of the head.

The 'new' sprocket gears, bolts treated with lock tight and safety wired.


Cheating just a bit as I don't have the cam cover gaskets yet


Well, that's all for today.  Still waiting for the flywheel that we sent off for surfacing and balancing.

Cheers,
Lynn


7 hrs


2 comments:

  1. Lynn, you are simply a master mechanic at doing this job. Setting the valve clearances is so hugely important for an E-Type engine and I was only able to do it with help from Jerry. And then you know the story of when I did it on my second car and a "marque expert" got angry and told me I ruined my engine. (8,000 miles later the engine still runs well thanks to all the training I got from you, Jerry and Erica.)

    I enjoyed seeing your notebook with the grubby finger prints. Just like mine. :-)

    I sure wished we lived closer. I would join you in your garage anytime and, of course, you and Jan are welcome to visit Mary and me in Austin anytime you are ready.

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  2. Morning Drew,
    Thank you so much for the kind words, I recall your telling me about your "marque expert" getting upset, I still don't understand why he got angry....
    I wish you lived closer too! Be careful what you offer, I'd love to come to Austin again! You know the reverse is true too!
    Cheers,
    Lynn

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