Hi,
The way I set my valves were :-
Left the van standing overnight - Pays to park it somewhere were you don't
mind lying down to do this job the day before !
Set number 1 at TDC using the mark on the crank pulley - check it is firing
on number 1 by removing the distributor cap and check that the rotor arm
is pointing at the electrode for the number 1 cylinder ignition lead.
Take off the rocker covers (put a can underneath to catch any oil) and
adjust
number 1 rocker arms, I used a 6 thou feeler gauge, undid the screw and
adjusted it until the rocker was just grabbing the gauge, removed the gauge
and continued to turn the adjusting screw in by 1 complete turn, locked it
and repeated it for the other.
To do the others I turned the engine over by 180 degree increments, checked
where the distributor arm was pointing and adjusted the tappets for that
cylinder.
Put the rocker covers back on & replaced the distributor cap.
Started it up (sounded a bit rough for a few minutes) & then it was all
quiet.
Worked for me.
I intend to do a compression test when I get time.

Phil
T25 - Now warm

----- Original Message -----
From: Andy <easoars@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, February 04, 2000 4:34 AM
Subject: valve lash adjustments

> I have eben adjusting valves for years but a VW 2.0 is unique. Because the
> engine is mounted horizontal you really have to double check and insure
the
 push rods are seated properly. Whats unique about the vw air cooled is
> number one cylinder isn't where most engines have them. To me number three
> should be number one since it is the first to connect the crankshaft. Now
> most engines out there you can adjust certain valves depending where the
> crankshaft is relative to the cam shaft...in another words you can put
> number 1 cyl tdc and you will be able to adjust half the intake and
exhaust
> valves depending the service manual procedure. Then a simple rotation of
180
> degrees will allow you to adjust the remaining valves. Does anyone know if
> this can be done. I read some articles on the 6 mils...what is 6 mils and
> does this pertain hyd lifters. The bently book says 2 complete turns one
> listee said 1 turn and the vw mechanic said 1 and 1/2...whos right or
which
> one is better. Is there a better procedure.
> Andy
> Wild Wild Westy 82