tappets

[jbennett]

How tricky is it for the home "gardener" mechanic to adust his own tappets armed with a trusty torque wrench? I have the settings for my 948cc Minor (37.5lbs closed, 70lbs open). Is there a sequence or particular tongue holding excercise required, or just go to it.

[rayofleamington]

well if you want to do it, a Haynes manual gives the lowdown for the sequence and feeler guage requirements.

[rayofleamington]

wow!! invisible posts
I bet Billy is not smiling this evening...

[rayofleamington]

hmm - where did my post go??
anyway jbennett, probably best to read the manual a couple of times
Haynes manual includes what you need to know.
Ray

[jbennett]

Best I get a Haynes manual then, or borrow one.
Thanks

[ColinP]

Hey Guys,

Am I missing something?
"Torque wrench for setting tappets"? -
I use a set of feeler gauges, ring spanner & flat screwdriver .....

(well ok, torque wrench for the rocker cover bolts).

Yours,

Colin

[rayofleamington]

ooh - my invisible posts came back....

(well ok, torque wrench for the rocker cover bolts).

My torque wrench doesn't go down low enough! These have to be low torque as overtighteneing will bend the thin metal. Once its bent you can never apply enough load to the gasket.
As for the other comments - that was why I recommended a manual, not some simple instructions ;-). It should give a better understanding.

For the manual they are frequently on e-bay and don't expect to pay more than a fiver
eg:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... gory=14234

[Kevin]

I have the settings for my 948cc Minor (37.5lbs closed, 70lbs open).

Im with you on that one Colin, I am also confused when is an open torque greater than a closed one.
JB if you wish I can always send you a scan of the info needed if you are in a hurry just send me a PM.

[Willie]

The figures which you quote are for the pressures of the valve
springs...nothing to do with tappet settings. You set all tappets
to 12thou of an inch on the Minor. Use your starting handle to
turn the engine round,makes life much easier. Jot down 1to 8
on a bit of paper and tick them off as you set each tappet. As
stated all you need is a feeler gauge, a straight blade screwdriver
and a spanner.

[jbennett]

Valves, tappets.It's all tho confuthing.
I did mean valves when referring to the torque wrench, and of course would adjust tappets at the same time, as they are a bit rattley.
I have located a Haynes manual for lending, so will go from there.
Thanks for all advice

[57traveller]

The "rule of nine" method works well on a Minor when setting/checking valve clearances.
The valve at the radiator end is number one, going to number eight at the back end. Turn the engine , when valve one is fully open (down) set number eight. Number two valve open set valve seven and so on. No need to do them in that order just watch to see which valve is fully open and adjust the one which makes the sum of them both nine.
Make a note of which ones you've done to avoid duplication.

[Kevin]

You should be able to adjust them in pairs so you will only have to turn it 4 times instead of 8, if you remove the plugs it makes it much easier and dont forget to fit a new cover gasket.

[57traveller]

And bung a bit of rag or similar in each plug hole to avoid having to remove the head after you've dropped something into a cylinder. Yes been there

[turbominor]

just dont let the vacume suck the rag in

[57traveller]

Someone else been there as well - glad I'm not alone.