valve clearance?

[streetboy]

My ongoing tinkering goes on. set the valves to 0.006 but should the feeler be a nice snug fit, ie; stiffish and dragging quite a bit, or is it best to be able to slde it through a little easier?

I also have an issue with the accelerater pump arm fouling the alternator, very slightly but enough sometimes I notice not to allow the throttle stop to fully return. It is a nats cock.
From what I have read I can space the carb up, but would it be better to remove the carb and nick the alternator casing down to clear?

 

[Justin & Muttley]

That's a common problem with an alternator upgrade - you can use a spacer, get a Dremmel or similar on it to improve clearance, or try flipping the accelerator pump arm (possible on some models).
Personally, I'd remove some of the excess metal to improve the clearance - much less bother and can look very tidy if you're careful.

Let us all know how you get on...

 

[Araon]

the feeler gauge shouldnt drag it should glide through with the smallest resistance possible.... if you have a calibrated micrometer to hand set that and compare the feel you'll see what i mean, you can tell when both surfaces are in contact evenly....

 

[streetboy]

Araon, cheers for that. I think they may be a little on the tight side then so I'll re-adjust them on Friday when there cold to a glide through. What effect would it have on running if they are on the tight side? I assume that as the engine warms up it would be more evident?


Justin & Muttley, took the carb off tonight as Its easier to adjust the pump, then set about the alternator body with a b*stard file. Didn't have to take to much off and the pump arm is ok now
And I can't belive what a difference adjusting the pump made to the running :shock: As its a 34pict3 with a 009 dizzy I set it to the recommended full delivery and the difference in acceleration is quite considerable

I do think I need to back the valves off as its still not quite there yet, but I'm nearly there

 

[Justin & Muttley]

Glad to know the pump mods worked out OK - good work fella!!

 

[lard]

I did my valves ala the Muir book - closed my eyes and *felt* the clearance as the feeler moved through the valve - mine set to glide with the slightest hint of resistance, the closing eyes and feeling method is a bit hippie but did help focus on the slightest drag that he recommends - mine where set far too tight when I got the bus, seemed to make a big difference and going to re-adjust after 1000 miles to see what movement there has been,

Regarding the alternator/carb - mine came with the linkage "bent" to clear the alternator :roll: - when I replaced the carb I have to admit that I followed suit and bent it slightly, only need the slightest adjustment with some pliers but sure this isn't the best method!

 

[streetboy]

closed my eyes and *felt* the clearance as the feeler moved through the valve

I do it all the time at work when feeling repairs, it does help you to focus

Adjusted the valves tonight before I came home from work. As I suspected they were a bit tight so backed them off to a "gliding fit" with eyes open I might add :lol:

Improvement again doing the valves, and also knocked the timing back a fraction and richened it up. Seems to be idling nice and smooth now.