Valve clearances - adjustment (903 cc engine)

Engine / Valve clearances - adjustment (903 cc engine)

1 Adjust the valves when the engine is cold.

2 Unbolt and remove the rocker cover.

3 It is important that the clearance is set when the cam follower of the valve being adjusted is on the heel of the cam (ie; opposite the peak). This can be done by carrying out the adjustments in the following order, which also avoids turning the crankshaft more than necessary.

4 Turn the crankshaft either using a spanner on the pulley nut or by raising a front roadwheel, engaging a gear (3rd or 4th) and turning the wheel in the forward direction of travel. It will be easier to turn the engine if the spark plugs are first removed.

Valve fully open Check and adjust Valve No. 8 EX Valve No. 1 EX Valve No. 6 IN Valve No. 3 IN Valve No. 4 EX Valve No. 5 EX Valve No. 7 IN Valve No. 2 IN Valve No. 1 EX Valve No. 8 EX Valve No. 3 IN Valve No. 6 IN Valve No. 5 EX Valve No. 4 EX Valve No. 2 IN Valve No. 7 IN 5 Count the valves from the timing cover end of the engine.

6 Remember, the inlet and exhaust valve clearances are different.

7 Insert the appropriate feeler gauge between the end of the valve stem and the rocker arm.

It should be a stiff sliding fit (photo).

5.7 Adjusting a valve clearance

8 If the clearance is incorrect, release the rocker arm adjuster screw locknut using a ring spanner. Turn the adjuster screw using a small open-ended spanner, but tie something to it in case it is inadvertently dropped through one of the pushrod holes.

9 Once the clearance is correct, tighten the locknut without moving the position of the adjuster screw.

10 Repeat the operations on the remaining seven valves.

11 Re-check all the clearances. Make sure that the rocker cover gasket is in good condition and fit the rocker cover.