Hi, Doug!
A valve should only be adjusted when it is completely closed. The reason
why some recommend adjusting the valves when the engine is hot is because
the clearances change as the parts heat up and expand. Whether hot or cold
adjustment makes any real difference in the performance of the engine is
open to argument.
I have a similar conflict with my Big Healey: a tag on the valve cover
specifies 0.012 when HOT, but all the books say to adjust them COLD. I do
it cold, because I don't like burning my fingers.
You have to turn the engine to position each valve fully closed before
adjusting it, and if you do it properly there is a minimum amount of engine
turning you have to do. For the minimum amount of engine turning, the
valves follow the Rule of Nines: when valve #6 is fully open, then adjust
#3; if #8 is fully open, then adjust #1, etc.
Steve Byers
Havelock, NC USA
'73 Midget GAN5UD126009G "OO NINE"
"It is better to remain silent, and be thought a fool
than to speak, and remove all doubt" -- Mark Twain
--------------------------
Thank the Spridget gods for the wisdom of the listers. Otherwise, how
would
>a eager but inexperienced lad like myself ever figure some of this
stuff out...
>
>I'm preparing to adjust the valve clearances on my 948, so like usual I
>consult my BMC Workshop Manual and the Haynes Manual which happen to be
the
>two in my possession.
>
>BMC says to do the job with the engine HOT, and gives instructions on
how to
>use the locknuts and adjusting screws etc. That's all.
>
>Haynes insists the engine be cold and advises an order, and turning of
the
>crankshaft to position the tappet on the heel of the cam.
>
>Hmmmmm, hot or cold? And how do I know which valve to adjust when?
(Both
>manuals specify .012, at least that's consistent)
>
>Any help would be most appreciated.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Doug Ingram
>Victoria BC
>1958 Bugeye
>AN5L/636
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