Post Valve Adjustment

[cutsham]

Does this sound normal? Thanks!

[ttrousdell]

they always tick. is this the first time you have done an adjustment?

[cutsham]

they always tick. is this the first time you have done an adjustment?

Yeah, had a leaving valve cover gasket, so figured while I was in there I would get it done. All spaced to the proper .25mm/.010 in.

Here's a before video, from the other side of the engine though:

[jlevie]

Was that video taken with the engine up to normal temperature? Properly adjusted valves will "tic" when the engine is cold, but will quieten down once the engine is at temperature.

If the engine as at temperature, either you didn't properly adjust the valves or the valve guides are worn. In the latter case they'll always make noise until the head is rebuilt.

[cutsham]

Was that video taken with the engine up to normal temperature? Properly adjusted valves will "tic" when the engine is cold, but will quieten down once the engine is at temperature.

If the engine as at temperature, either you didn't properly adjust the valves or the valve guides are worn. In the latter case they'll always make noise until the head is rebuilt.

When I took the video the engine had only been running for less than 5 minutes. It was also in the forties outside. Same for the before video. I'll have to take it for a drive and check it out. Hopefully this is it.

Thanks!

[cutsham]

Also, the engine only has 98,000 miles on it.

[cutsham]

Drove the car around tonight, and got it all warmed up, so heres a new video haha:



Normal? or Bad? Still have to fix my rough idle, so not sure if that plays a role. Also, the engine is running mobil 1 synthetic 5w30. Would switching to the recommended 20w50 help?

[Cabriolet]

ya those valves are too loose. get a valve adjustment done.

[E30Gus]

I wouldn't run 20W50 in CT during Winter time.

[dnguyen1963]

Switch over to Rotella 15W40 (I would not go any thicker during winter time) to see if that will quiet down the valves. If not, redo the valve adjustment.

[jlevie]

The oil used will have little to no affect on valve noise since these engines have mechanical lifters.

[dnguyen1963]

The oil used will have little to no affect on valve noise since these engines have mechanical lifters.

True, but I used to run the car with 5W30 in the dead of winter and the engine did tic a lot louder. It was much quieter with 15W40...just my practical experience.

[cutsham]

True, but I used to run the car with 5W30 in the dead of winter and the engine did tic a lot louder. It was much quieter with 15W40...just my practical experience.

I'll try that when I change my oil. Even if it doesn't make much of a difference, it won't do any harm.

[cutsham]

Also, could anyone help describe the adjustment process a little better? The Bentley manual and every where else says there should be "slight drag" on the feeler gauge. How tight should the gauge be? I definitely had drag, as in I could slide the gauge back and forth fairly easily, but it was definitely dragging and both parts, if that makes any sense haha.

[dnguyen1963]

If you can move the gauge easily then it is too loose. There should be decent amount of resistance, but not enough to stop moving the gauge.