Valve spring adjustment

[blck325is]

Okay, I adjusted my valve springs TWICE today and I believe the rattling got louder. The first time, I didn't check my adjustment. This made it alot louder, so I opened it back up and redid it only to have it back to the way it was before the first fuck up. Basically loud. I think I might need new valve springs or a new head, or something cause I'm feeling kinda stupid. Anyone wanna help me cause I'm not liking my e30 right now.

[nando]

valve springs? you must mean valve lash adjustment.

unless your valve guides are seriously worn or your seals are leaking - you don't neccesarily need a new head. what did you adjust the clearance to? Take out one of the adjuster eccentrics and see if there is a flat spot on it. if it's worn flat, it will just go back to where it was and you'll never get it to stay adjusted properly. you can get new ones, or temporarily flip them around to use an un-worn side. I also like adjusting mine with the engine hot - not many people will try it, but I did it once and am never going back to adjusting them while cold.

[E30_fiend]

valve springs? you must mean valve lash adjustment.

unless your valve guides are seriously worn or your seals are leaking - you don't neccesarily need a new head. what did you adjust the clearance to? Take out one of the adjuster eccentrics and see if there is a flat spot on it. if it's worn flat, it will just go back to where it was and you'll never get it to stay adjusted properly. you can get new ones, or temporarily flip them around to use an un-worn side. I also like adjusting mine with the engine hot - not many people will try it, but I did it once and am never going back to adjusting them while cold.

+1 on everything stayed above. Never tried it hot thought.


E30_Fiend

[blck325is]

I adjusted the clearance to .254mm cause it was cold. I'll check all the eccentrics and try to adjust the clearances when it's hot. If they're crapped I'll order new ones and flip them temporarily. Hope this works. Oh o/t but my check engine light comes on then goes off when I rev my car. Anyone know the issue? I'm gonna check my icv and the eccentrics hopefully tonite and I was wondering what else I should look for.

[jlevie]

When properly adjusted, it is normal to hear the valves on a cold engine. That noise should be almost inaudible once the engine is at normal temperature. Might it be that you didn't wait for the engine to reach normal temperature?

[blck325is]

Hmm, well I'm checking my eccentrics tonite or tomorrow so I'll know for sure in a day or two.

[Reece Designs]

I have always done it stone cold like after the car sat overnite. I also set them at 0.010 never tried it hot i don't like working on a hot motor.

[nando]

I have always done it stone cold like after the car sat overnite. I also set them at 0.010 never tried it hot i don't like working on a hot motor.

I wore thick leather gloves :p

it's super quiet now though. I always ended up with one or two slightly off when I do it cold.

[dark89e30]

I wore thick leather gloves :p

Softhands?:giggle:

[nando]

no, I don't like being burned by 170 degree oil ;)

[eugeman]

What gap do you set it at when it is hot?

[dark89e30]

.30mm, tight. If it ticks, its loose. If it burns a valve, its too tight