I have adjusted my valves on my 1990 intgra ls. We used a .006 feeler gauge on the intake side and a .008 feeler gauge on the exhaust side. We set each piston to top dead center and adjusted the valves until there was a slight drag between the rocker arm and lobe, and the valves are tapping more. I then tried lining up the lobes at the angle where the pointed side is pointing toward the rear on the intake and toward thefront on the exhaust and the valves are still tapping. If anyone could maybe help me with my problem I would appreciate it.

 

You may still be setting the gap too big. After measuring with the correct size feeler gauge, use the next size up (that is out of spec) and make sure that it can't fit. Then you know it is correct.

 

Yeah the piston should be near TDC when you do that anyway. Just go through and re-check all clearances very carefully. When I first attempted the adjustment on my car, it sounded very loud and horrible w/ tapping (like a diesel almost). I went through it all again probably 3 more times. Still made noises. My friend went through them and it still was bad. Then a couple days later I decided to go through them all one last time before taking it to a shop. I just happened to find one of my exhaust valves had a clearance of about .030" or so!!! How I missed that the other times I have no idea, but I fixed that one and it was fine.

 

Many times, the clearance will go back out of spec once you tighten down the retaining nut. Be sure to re-check with the feeler gauge after torquing the nut down. Even with the valve adjustment tool, it takes some finesse to end up with the spec you're looking for. Sometimes, I have to check it and redo it numerous times before it's dead-on.

Good luck.

 

Make sure your turning the motor counterclockwise. Also don't forget 1-3-4-2 is the order. Doing valve adjustments is just something that takes practice, not many people get it right the first time. Also make sure the engine is all the way cooled off before you adjust them.



[Modified by ElephantSuprise, 7:09 AM 7/17/2002]

 

Well he did say the valves are tapping more, which would indicate that some of the valve clearances are looser than before. But he does need to go through and check and re-check all the clearances again.

 

yeah i think you should re-check all your clearances again and try the next size up feeler guage to make sure that it doesn't fit... even w/ the snap on tool.. sometimes when I tighten it back up I end up messing up the clearance and having to do it again... its good to have a friend help you ....

 

thank you for the help, but i have gotten it perfect. oh and i changed my name and that is why i am talking under a different name. once again, thank you all for your advise. it really helped.