If you didn't have any problems before, the valve adjustment did not
need to be touched and they definitely should not adjust them to .006
clearance. That completely defeats the purpose of the hydraulic lifters.
After that many miles, the tips of the adjuster screws and valves stems
were somewhat worn together. You may have felt the flat spot while you
were turning them. With this wear pattern no longer matched, you will
tear up the valve stems and screws. Get new screws. Not that you can
measure or feel it, but the now reduced valve lift will reduce some
power. I say get new screws and reset the adjustment to the 1-2 turns
that they should be.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Matt Sutton
Sent: Saturday, May 14, 2005 8:01 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: First Valve adjustment: report and questions.

Hi Folks,

In doing my spring time pre-emmissions test tune up (filters, plugs,
cap,
rotor), I added on a valve adjustment. No problems to deal with there,
but I
figured at nearly 200k on the clock it may be worth looking at.
 The job was easy, and actually kind of fun. All valves were very tight,
usually by 3-4 turns, and I backed them all out to the .006 setting.
After
some initial clattering all was well as the engine warmed up and the
lifters
repressurized.

    The question remains: what have I accomplished in doing this?
Extended
the useful life of the valves? Improved overall performance/effciency?
With
propperly functioning hydraulic lifters, does the adjustment just amount
to
clattering or not?  Subjectively, the engine seems "looser" and maybe
lacks
some power, but I can't be sure.
    My goals are simple. I'm just looking to optimize whats there as far
as
efficiency and longevity are concerned.

thanks,

Matt Sutton
88 GL
Brooklyn NY