Steve,

As I understand the procedure the one that was spongey had air in it. Also I
think, Bob even advocates .006" clearence. That allows them to bleed
properly and then possibly zero lash afterwards. Mine are .006" after new
head gaskets. They tick slightly but I know they are not too tight. I've
been where you are with the same results.

Joe

----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Sullivan" <steveis@SPEAKEASY.ORG>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, December 09, 2001 11:22 PM
Subject: Did I adjust my valves/lifters right?

> After a partial engine rebuild on my 1984 1.9L about 5,000 miles ago, I
> decided it was time to check if the lifters and valves were adjusted
> correctly, especially after a compression test revealed odd results.
>
> Here's how I did it, can someone please tell me if I did it wrong,
> especially the amount of preload. I've read Boston Bob's article and
others,
> but they all talk about what to do at rebuild time, and I don't know if
that
> applies.
>
> I first warmed up the engine a bit and checked that there was no lifter
> noise.
>
> 1) after bringing cylinder to TDC, loosened adjusting lock nut
>
> 2) back off adjuster until it no longer touched valve stem
>
> 3) tighten adjuster until contact with valve
>
> 4) tighten adjuster 1/4 to 1/2 a turn
>
> 5) lock down lock nut
>
> 6) move on to next cylinder
>
> Is 1/4 to 1/2 turn enough? Too much? Afterward, the engine ran the same
and
> there was no lifter noise.
>
> I'm especially concerned about one valve, it was "spongy" and I could
never
> tell when the adjuster contacted the valve and took up any slack in the
> assembly, so I guessed. How can I be sure it's OK?
>
> Thanks in advance!!
>
> Steve
>