M20 valve adjustment

[Kavadarci]

Hi,
I've done few of these jobs on different cars and I’ve read few diy for the m20.
I couldn’t find anywhere how to put cylinder 1 in tdc (is that even needed) and if the valves have to be adjusted in the firing order.
thank you for your feedback.

[nando]

You can do them in any order as long as you keep track. rotate the engine until the cam lobes for the cylinder you're adjusting are pointing down, so the rockers are not touching it and you can measure the clearance. adjusting them in the firing order is easiest because you won't have to rotate the engine more than 720 degrees - 153624. you could start at any cylinder though, like 362415.

some people like to take out the spark plugs because it makes it easier to rotate. I never bother, it just takes more time and it's not that hard to rotate the M20 by hand anyway. you can also do it hot (my preference) or cold but there are two tolerance values depending on the temperature. but your first time I'd do it cold so you can take your time.

[Kavadarci]

Much appreciated.
I understand.
I will be doing the timing belt, spark plugs, water pump, ignition wires etc at the same time.

[nando]

If you're doing the spark plugs first, then I would say removing them all then doing the valve adjustment is best. it makes rotating the crank a lot easier, for sure. But in the past I've adjusted my valves yearly (although now I drive it so much less, that's not needed), and it didn't make sense to pull the spark plugs out just for that. Basically if I'm pulling spark plugs I'm sure as heck not putting the old ones back in!

I'd consider replacing the timing belt/water pump first, then pull the spark plugs, and finally do the valve adjustment - which will also help you see if your cam timing is correct before you put the plugs back in and start her up (no surprises!).

Also, if you're going that far, it's probably a good time to replace the rocker shaft rubber seals and camshaft seal, and at least inspect the cap & rotor. The cap and rotor is fairly expensive, so don't replace it on a whim, but you have to take it all apart anyway so you may as well think about it.

[Kavadarci]

I’m doing exactly that.
I have all the parts on order.
Thank you