Author Topic: How soon should I have valves adjusted after rebuild? (Read 4526 times)

mtnbob · « **on:** February 28, 2008, 08:38:15 pm »

Had new rings and valves done a few thousand miles ago, how long should I wait until I have them adjusted. I've heard every 10,000 miles but with new rings and valves should they be done sooner the first time? What are symptoms of valves being out of adjustment? Whats a typical charge?
Thanks
Robert

jtanguay · « **Reply #1 on:** February 28, 2008, 11:26:25 pm »

so you've got the first half of '86 since its mech lifters? typically they say to check valve clearance every 15'000 km's or so. that is just 'checking'. they can be quite a bit out of spec and still run, but run really rough (and start rough too)

couldn't hurt to check

saurkraut · « **Reply #2 on:** February 29, 2008, 06:10:59 am »

If you set them cold, and never checked them hot, its probably time for a check.

I usuallly set them cold on the tight side of the spec, and then check them hot right away. I usally find a couple that have to be changed out because they are loose. The majority are OK though.

If someone else did it hot, the default hot is 0.010" and .0.020" which is the high side of loose.

You probably ought to do it yourself so you know where things are.

mtnbob · « **Reply #3 on:** February 29, 2008, 03:29:57 pm »

Is it a difficult procedure? I have the Bentley book. What kind of tools will I need?

Possum79 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 01, 2008, 09:33:40 pm »

From what I understand sense I'm studying the same procedure you just need feeler gauges to check the clearance. If you need to adjust, then you need a valve spring depressor and shim pliers. If you need shims i know autohausaz.com sells them for like a buck a piece. Ebay for tools.

Im going to give that a shot myself soon.

blkboostedtruck · « **Reply #5 on:** March 01, 2008, 09:46:43 pm »

Quote from: "Possum79"

From what I understand sense I'm studying the same procedure you just need feeler gauges to check the clearance. If you need to adjust, then you need a valve spring depressor and shim pliers. If you need shims i know autohausaz.com sells them for like a buck a piece. Ebay for tools.

Im going to give that a shot myself soon.

you gotta link to those shims?
Duane

Possum79 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 01, 2008, 10:45:12 pm »

About 1.50 a shim.
http://www.autohausaz.com/search/product.aspx?sid=g4t2bj331c3cne45qn2aik45&makeid=800026@VW&modelid=1284959@RABBIT%20&year=1979&cid=20@Engine%20Parts,%20Seals%20%26%20Gaskets&gid=5788@Valve%20Shim

Thats just what the link i found for my rabbit. I do not know if there is a difference though in diameters between heads or what not.