Valve adjustment

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Categories: Emission Control And Tune-Up | Engine Mechanical

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Revision as of 09:19, 21 November 2012 ddgonzal (Talk | contribs) <- Previous diff		Current revision ddgonzal (Talk | contribs)
Line 1:		Line 1:
-	The valves should be adjusted every 6 months, or per the Nissan factory [[Tune-up|Schedule]].	+	The valves should be adjusted every 6 months or 6,000 miles as per the Nissan factory maintenance schedule.
	= Overview =		= Overview =
	In addition to the tune-up schedule, also adjust the valves:		In addition to the tune-up schedule, also adjust the valves:
	* whenever the [[Changing Head Gasket|head gasket is changed]]		* whenever the [[Changing Head Gasket|head gasket is changed]]
-	* whenever any valve parts are changed or loosened ([[Valve seals]], [[Rocker arms]], [[Rocker shaft]], etc.)	+	* whenever any valve parts are changed or loosened ([[Valve Seals]], [[Rocker arms]], [[Rocker Shaft]], etc.)
	If you are setting the tappet adjustment you should be able to put the timing mark at TDC and adjust four of the tappets then rotate the crank once back to TDC and adjust the other four. Details are below.		If you are setting the tappet adjustment you should be able to put the timing mark at TDC and adjust four of the tappets then rotate the crank once back to TDC and adjust the other four. Details are below.
Line 11:		Line 11:
	Adjust intake & exhaust valve clearances -- every 30 month or 30 thousands of miles whichever comes first.		Adjust intake & exhaust valve clearances -- every 30 month or 30 thousands of miles whichever comes first.
-	[http://s297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/Datsun%201200/owners_manual/1972/32.jpg http://s297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/Datsun%201200/owners_manual/1972/th_32.jpg]	+	{{Photo|32.jpg|Datsun%201200/owners_manual/1972}}
		+	Adjust intake & exhaust valve clearances
	600 mile service		600 mile service
	6 months/6000 miles		6 months/6000 miles
Line 25:		Line 26:
	* HOT: [http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=6192 0.35 mm (14 thousands inch)]		* HOT: [http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=6192 0.35 mm (14 thousands inch)]
-	<center><blockquote><table border=1 cellspacing=0><tr><td>	+	It is more consistent when hot. Because what is Cold? 95 degrees? 55 degrees? Yet hot is controlled by the engine thermostat -- same temp every time.
-	USA 1972 [[Owners manual]] (see pages 40 for Valve Clearance Specification):	+
-	<br>[http://s297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/Datsun%201200/owners_manual/1972/40.jpg http://s297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/Datsun%201200/owners_manual/1972/th_40.jpg]<blockquote><hr>Valve clearance (hot) 0.014 in (0.35 mm)<hr></blockquote></td></tr></table>	+	{{OwnersManual|40||Valve clearance (hot) 0.014 in (0.35 mm)}}
-	</blockquote></center>	+
	== Cold Setting ==		== Cold Setting ==
Line 38:		Line 38:
	* Test COLD: 0.33 mm (13 thousands inch)		* Test COLD: 0.33 mm (13 thousands inch)
-	NOTE: The 1971 manual (in the text) has the cold specification at 0.35 mm but at 0.25 in the Specifiations. The 1973 manual lists it at 0.25 mm. Either one works OK, but Nissan recommends resetting lash after getting engine to full temperature (set it HOT).	+	NOTE: The 1971 manual (in the text) has the cold specification at 0.35 mm but at 0.25 in the Specifications. The 1973 manual lists it at 0.25 mm. Either one works OK, but Nissan recommends resetting lash after getting engine to full temperature (set it HOT).
	The Service Bulletin confirms the .25 mm COLD setting. In my personal tests (multiple tests) of HOT setting at .35 then letting the engine cool overnight, it returns to a .33 COLD -- so I've been setting it to .33 COLD for the last 25+ years with great success (I've never had a valve problem).		The Service Bulletin confirms the .25 mm COLD setting. In my personal tests (multiple tests) of HOT setting at .35 then letting the engine cool overnight, it returns to a .33 COLD -- so I've been setting it to .33 COLD for the last 25+ years with great success (I've never had a valve problem).
	Corrected by Service Bulletin:		Corrected by Service Bulletin:
-	<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=24402 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/24402.jpg]	+	<br>{{Album|24402}}
	= Procedure =		= Procedure =
-	# Block the wheels, set the handbrake, and put the transmission in nuetral	+	Valve adjustment is easy to do. The first time I was worried but it worked out fine. Just double check the final setting by ensuring the next bigger size feeler won't slip in. That's the biggest beginners mistake, setting it just a tiny bit loose so that it's noisier after they are done!
		+
		+	# Block the wheels, set the handbrake, and put the transmission in NEUTRAL
	# Remove the [[Rocker cover]]		# Remove the [[Rocker cover]]
	# Turn the engine to the TDC mark.		# Turn the engine to the TDC mark.
-	#: [http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=724 http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photos/thumbs/724.JPG][http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=730 http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photos/thumbs/730.JPG]	+	#: {{Album|724|JPG}} {{Album|730}}
	#: It's easiest to turn clockwise, but you can turn it either direction.		#: It's easiest to turn clockwise, but you can turn it either direction.
-	#* TIP: Grab the fan and turn it. It is very easy to turn the engine this way if you remove all four spark plugs, but this is not strictly necessary	+	#* TIP: Grab the fan and turn it. It is very easy to turn the engine this way if you remove all four spark plugs, but this is not strictly necessary. If the fan belt slips, you are turning it too fast -- or the belt is too loose ([[Fan belt#Minor Maintenance|tighten it]]!)
-	#* See below for more methods on turning the engine	+	#* [[#Turning the Engine|See below]] for more methods on turning the engine
	# You now need to figure out which TDC it is on. TDC for power stroke or exhaust stroke? Wiggle the rocker arms. At the TDC mark, either the first two rockers will be slightly loose, or the last two will be. Adjust the four loose ones (See details on just how, below)		# You now need to figure out which TDC it is on. TDC for power stroke or exhaust stroke? Wiggle the rocker arms. At the TDC mark, either the first two rockers will be slightly loose, or the last two will be. Adjust the four loose ones (See details on just how, below)
	#: Verify which TDC it is at by removing the distributor cap and noting where the rotor point to: Either the no. 1 sparkplug wire, or the no. 4 wire.		#: Verify which TDC it is at by removing the distributor cap and noting where the rotor point to: Either the no. 1 sparkplug wire, or the no. 4 wire.
-	# Rotor pointing to #1 plug wire	+	#:* IF the rotor is pointing to #1 plug wire ...
-	#* adjust valves 1,2,3,5 (counting from front of engine)	+	#:*: [[#Adjustment Method|#adjust valves]] 1,2,3,5 (counting from front of engine)
-	# Rotor pointing to #4 plugs wire	+	#: {{UploadPost|174_558725cbc8fee.jpg|469673}}
-	#* adjust valves 4,6,7,8	+	#:* IF the rotor is pointing to #4 plug wire ...
-	#: [http://mildman.datsunprojects.org/images/100_2729.jpg http://mildman.datsunprojects.org/images/100_2729.jpg]	+	#:*: [[#Adjustment Method|#adjust valves]] 4,6,7,8 (7 & 8 are the back two)
		+	#: {{Photo|100_2729.jpg|Datsun%201200/mildman}}
	# Rotate the engine one full turn, again to the TDC mark		# Rotate the engine one full turn, again to the TDC mark
	# Adjust the other four valves		# Adjust the other four valves
	# Replace rocker cover		# Replace rocker cover
-	CAUTION: Do not overtighten screws for rocker	+	<blockquote>CAUTION: Do not overtighten the screws for the rocker cover. Just [[Rocker_cover#Installation|finger tight]].</blockquote>
-	cover. Just finger tight.	+
-	Technically, these are the valves at TDC. But in practice they should be the only loose ones.	+	With the crank pulley marker at 0 degrees, in practice these valves should be the only loose ones:
	# No. 1 TDC: Adjust valves 1,2,3,5 (counting from front of engine)		# No. 1 TDC: Adjust valves 1,2,3,5 (counting from front of engine)
	# No. 4 TDC: Adjust valves 4,6,7,8		# No. 4 TDC: Adjust valves 4,6,7,8
	You can verify which TDC it is at by removing the distributor cap and noting whether the rotor point to the no. 1 sparkplug wire, or the no. 4 wire.		You can verify which TDC it is at by removing the distributor cap and noting whether the rotor point to the no. 1 sparkplug wire, or the no. 4 wire.
		+
		+	{{UploadPost|174_5b663bebc6a62.jpg|489130}}
	= Adjustment Method =		= Adjustment Method =
	Use a feeler gauge:		Use a feeler gauge:
-	* Loosen the 12mm locknut	+	# Loosen the 12mm locknut
-	* You want the feeler to just be able to slip in, and have a slight drag	+	# You want the feeler to just be able to slip in, and have a slight drag
-	** If it is a loose fit, tighten the rocker stud (straight screwdriver)	+	#* If it is a loose fit, tighten the rocker stud (using a straight screwdriver)
-	** If it is very tight, very difficult to slip in, loosen it a bit	+	#* If it is very tight, very difficult to slip in, loosen it a bit
-	* After re-tightening the locknut, check the clearance again	+	# After re-tightening the locknut, check the clearance again
-	TIP: You may need to do this several times on each	+	#* Make sure correct size fits in
-	rocker before getting the hang of it. This is normal.	+	#* MAKE SURE NEXT SIZE DOES NOT FIT
		+
		+	<blockquote>TIP: You may need to do this several times on each rocker before getting the hang of it. This is normal.</blockquote>
	Too loose: Valves make 'clicking' or 'tapping' sound		Too loose: Valves make 'clicking' or 'tapping' sound
Line 86:		Line 92:
	Too tight: Valves may get burned		Too tight: Valves may get burned
-
	Check for success: After replacing the rocker cover, Start the engine. Success is:		Check for success: After replacing the rocker cover, Start the engine. Success is:
Line 93:		Line 98:
	= Turning the Engine =		= Turning the Engine =
		+	<blockquote>CAUTION: be sure the IGN is off while turning engine by hand, or it may start and break your arm!</blockquote>
		+
	Use one of the following methods (in order of recommendation):		Use one of the following methods (in order of recommendation):
-	# Turn the engine by grabbing the fan and turning. It's easiest to turn clockwise, but you can turn it either direction. If the fan belt is not loose, this works very well. It has the advantage of all methods in that you have fine control over turning the engine back and forth. If the fan belt slips, see [[Fan belt|adjusting drive belt]].	+	# Turn the engine by grabbing the fan and turning. It's easiest to turn clockwise, but you can turn an A-series engine either direction. If the fan belt is not loose, this works very well. It has the advantage of all methods in that you have fine control over turning the engine back and forth. If the fan belt slips, see [[Fan belt|adjusting drive belt]].
-	#* TIP: It is very easy to turn if you remove all four spark plugs, but this is not strictly necessary. If the plugs are in, you have to slowly turn it against the compression. But it works.	+	#* TIP: It is very easy to turn if you remove all four spark plugs, but this is not strictly necessary. If the plugs are in, you have to '''slowly''' turn it against the compression. But it works.
	# Use a socket and ratchet on the crank pulley with the tranny in neutral and turn it by hand. This is a good method, just don't forget to remove the wrench before staring the engine!		# Use a socket and ratchet on the crank pulley with the tranny in neutral and turn it by hand. This is a good method, just don't forget to remove the wrench before staring the engine!
-	# Use a bump switch hooked up to the starter (or try turning the key briefly). This is a hit-and-miss method with no fine control. Be sure to disconnect the power wire to the coil so it doesn't spark.	+	# Use a bump switch hooked up to the starter (or try turning the key briefly). This is a hit-and-miss method with no fine control. Be sure to disconnect the power wire to the coil so it doesn't spark and engine start up!
	# Put car in 4th gear and push/pull the whole car to make the driveshaft turn the engine until the marks line up.		# Put car in 4th gear and push/pull the whole car to make the driveshaft turn the engine until the marks line up.
-
	= Parts =		= Parts =
-	Usually no parts are needed, except sometimes a new [[Rocker cover]] gasket. Usually you don't need a new rocker gasket, unless it breaks coming off. The rubber-type A-series rocker gaskets last forever. The cork-type often breaks.	+	Usually no parts are needed, except sometimes a new [[Rocker cover#gasket]]. Usually you don't need a new rocker gasket, unless it breaks coming off. The rubber-type A-series rocker gaskets last forever. The cork-type often breaks.
	[[Category:Emission Control And Tune-Up]]		[[Category:Emission Control And Tune-Up]]
-	[[Category:Engine Mechanical]]	+	[[Category:Engine Mechanical]]{{End}}

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Current revision

The valves should be adjusted every 6 months or 6,000 miles as per the Nissan factory maintenance schedule.

Contents 1 Overview 2 Maintenance Schedule 3 Specification 3.1 Cold Setting 4 Procedure 5 Adjustment Method 6 Turning the Engine 7 Parts

Overview

In addition to the tune-up schedule, also adjust the valves:

• whenever the head gasket is changed
• whenever any valve parts are changed or loosened (Valve Seals, Rocker arms, Rocker Shaft, etc.)

If you are setting the tappet adjustment you should be able to put the timing mark at TDC and adjust four of the tappets then rotate the crank once back to TDC and adjust the other four. Details are below.

Maintenance Schedule

Adjust intake & exhaust valve clearances -- every 30 month or 30 thousands of miles whichever comes first.

Adjust intake & exhaust valve clearances
600 mile service
6 months/6000 miles
12 months/12000 miles
18 months/18000 miles
24 months/24000 miles
30 months/30000 miles
60 months/60000 miles

Specification

From the Nissan Factory Service Manual for A12 engine:

• HOT: 0.35 mm (14 thousands inch)

It is more consistent when hot. Because what is Cold? 95 degrees? 55 degrees? Yet hot is controlled by the engine thermostat -- same temp every time.

Cold Setting

Per Nissan:

---

Setting clearance on cold valves is recommended only as an initial step -- for example, after assembling a cylinder head. At all other times, set clearances only when the valves are hot

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• 1971 COLD: 0.35 mm (14 thousands inch)
• 1973 COLD: 0.25 mm (10 thousands inch)
• Test COLD: 0.33 mm (13 thousands inch)

NOTE: The 1971 manual (in the text) has the cold specification at 0.35 mm but at 0.25 in the Specifications. The 1973 manual lists it at 0.25 mm. Either one works OK, but Nissan recommends resetting lash after getting engine to full temperature (set it HOT).

The Service Bulletin confirms the .25 mm COLD setting. In my personal tests (multiple tests) of HOT setting at .35 then letting the engine cool overnight, it returns to a .33 COLD -- so I've been setting it to .33 COLD for the last 25+ years with great success (I've never had a valve problem).

Corrected by Service Bulletin:
Album 24402

Procedure

Valve adjustment is easy to do. The first time I was worried but it worked out fine. Just double check the final setting by ensuring the next bigger size feeler won't slip in. That's the biggest beginners mistake, setting it just a tiny bit loose so that it's noisier after they are done!

1. Block the wheels, set the handbrake, and put the transmission in NEUTRAL
2. Remove the Rocker cover
3. Turn the engine to the TDC mark.

   Album 724 Album 730

   It's easiest to turn clockwise, but you can turn it either direction.

   • TIP: Grab the fan and turn it. It is very easy to turn the engine this way if you remove all four spark plugs, but this is not strictly necessary. If the fan belt slips, you are turning it too fast -- or the belt is too loose (tighten it!)
   • See below for more methods on turning the engine
4. You now need to figure out which TDC it is on. TDC for power stroke or exhaust stroke? Wiggle the rocker arms. At the TDC mark, either the first two rockers will be slightly loose, or the last two will be. Adjust the four loose ones (See details on just how, below)

   Verify which TDC it is at by removing the distributor cap and noting where the rotor point to: Either the no. 1 sparkplug wire, or the no. 4 wire.

   • IF the rotor is pointing to #1 plug wire ...

     #adjust valves 1,2,3,5 (counting from front of engine)

   Post 469673

   • IF the rotor is pointing to #4 plug wire ...

     #adjust valves 4,6,7,8 (7 & 8 are the back two)

   

5. Rotate the engine one full turn, again to the TDC mark
6. Adjust the other four valves
7. Replace rocker cover

CAUTION: Do not overtighten the screws for the rocker cover. Just finger tight.

With the crank pulley marker at 0 degrees, in practice these valves should be the only loose ones:

1. No. 1 TDC: Adjust valves 1,2,3,5 (counting from front of engine)
2. No. 4 TDC: Adjust valves 4,6,7,8

You can verify which TDC it is at by removing the distributor cap and noting whether the rotor point to the no. 1 sparkplug wire, or the no. 4 wire.

Post 489130

Adjustment Method

Use a feeler gauge:

1. Loosen the 12mm locknut
2. You want the feeler to just be able to slip in, and have a slight drag
   • If it is a loose fit, tighten the rocker stud (using a straight screwdriver)
   • If it is very tight, very difficult to slip in, loosen it a bit
3. After re-tightening the locknut, check the clearance again
   • Make sure correct size fits in
   • MAKE SURE NEXT SIZE DOES NOT FIT

TIP: You may need to do this several times on each rocker before getting the hang of it. This is normal.

Too loose: Valves make 'clicking' or 'tapping' sound
and wear excessively

Too tight: Valves may get burned

Check for success: After replacing the rocker cover, Start the engine. Success is:

• Valves are quiet (no ticking whatsoever)
• Engine idles smooth

Turning the Engine

CAUTION: be sure the IGN is off while turning engine by hand, or it may start and break your arm!

Use one of the following methods (in order of recommendation):

1. Turn the engine by grabbing the fan and turning. It's easiest to turn clockwise, but you can turn an A-series engine either direction. If the fan belt is not loose, this works very well. It has the advantage of all methods in that you have fine control over turning the engine back and forth. If the fan belt slips, see adjusting drive belt.
   • TIP: It is very easy to turn if you remove all four spark plugs, but this is not strictly necessary. If the plugs are in, you have to slowly turn it against the compression. But it works.
2. Use a socket and ratchet on the crank pulley with the tranny in neutral and turn it by hand. This is a good method, just don't forget to remove the wrench before staring the engine!
3. Use a bump switch hooked up to the starter (or try turning the key briefly). This is a hit-and-miss method with no fine control. Be sure to disconnect the power wire to the coil so it doesn't spark and engine start up!
4. Put car in 4th gear and push/pull the whole car to make the driveshaft turn the engine until the marks line up.

Parts

Usually no parts are needed, except sometimes a new Rocker cover#gasket. Usually you don't need a new rocker gasket, unless it breaks coming off. The rubber-type A-series rocker gaskets last forever. The cork-type often breaks. 

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