Mechanical lifter valve adjustments

[overdrivegear]

I have not had to fool with adjusting valves on my 1.6 na mechanical lifter head yet, but I was told the frequency of checking adjustments is ~15k miles.  Is doing a valve job on this head a pain in the neck?
I've had experience with mechanical/shim lifters on DOHC Lotus engines, and it's not fun.  I'm just wondering because I'm doing a comprehensive check-up/tuning to my engine.
Oh, also is a direct bolt on replacement for a hydraulic lifter head to go onto a block originally with mech lifters?

[hipifreq]

_Checking_ the valves isn't a pain in neck. Just take off the valve cover, and use a feeler gage to check the spacing between the cam lobes and the cam followers (rotating the cam _CLOCKWISE_ as you go). Remember to remove the fuel shut-off wire from the pump first!

_Replacing_ the valves is a little more difficult. I've found that the standard store-bought valve depressors just don't work on these engines. You've got to either find a specialty shop that sells the proper tool, or make one yourself. Valve spacing is set by replacing the spacer disks that sit in the recessed surface of the cam follower. Your engine compartment should have the valve spacing printed on a sticker near the front, or check your Bentley. If you don't have a Bentley, then get one.

[Baxter]

Not sure of the Golf etc but i reckon they will be the same as the T3/Vanagon.

.45mm Exhaust.
.25mm Inlet.

Both set HOT!

Get the special tool, the Ford 1.8D tool can just be used but it's a bit of a pain in the arse, the proper tools is the way to go, as are the proper pliers that clear the cam and have sharp ends for gripping the shim through the small slots in the bucket.

get a small screw driver and a magnetic pick up tool, somethimes the shims are stuck in place by hydraulic action, they will spin but not pop out.. A blast of compressed air sometimes helps.