Why can't I get my valves set right?!!!

[zeiss150]

Hey Z people,

I can't seem to get my Valves set right. I have tried several times and I still get the "tick" in the valve train? I have set them to 10/ intake 12/exaust and always hot. but still I get the tick. should I go to 11/intake 9/exaust? What is going on in my valve train?

Matt-

[2ManyZs]

It's quite possible the noise isn't due to the valve setting, it's probably in the lash pads themselves. It's going to be difficult to check with the engine in the car, but look to see if the wear pattern on the rockers extends all the way to the end of the wear surface and beyond. It will probably be easier to check if you remove the rockers one at a time to check. If the engine were out and on a stand, you could verify it visually as you turn the engine over by hand.

Here's an old thread that discussed the lash pads, and you'll find a pic I scanned that shows what I am talking about.

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6342&highlight=lash+pads

[59ghia]

Also check the retainer springs, kinda looks like a cloths pin spring. I've had one pop off and sound like a mis-adjusted valve.

Good luck,

Dave

[zeiss150]

awww man?

would you guy's look down on me if I had a professional Z mechanic set my valves and carbs? I think i've bitten off more than I can chew. I've tried several times and it just seems to be getting worse?:sleepy: It would only be $120 to get someone that works on Z's all day every day to fix me up real good.

bummed out matt-

[beandip]

GO TO THE TEC. SECTION AND SCROLL DOWN AND FIND THE ENTRY ON SETTING THE SUs . Many mechanics now days do not understand carberaters they work on injection and plug in to a computer that tells them what is what. The low tec early Z is a different breed of cat. and so are SUs . They are super simple to adjust , you just need to have a couple of tools . One being a uni-sun which is a devise that will show you the air flow being drawn into the carb so you can ballance both units . this and a screw driver and you are good to go. uni-sun $25.00 at a good parts store that has a speed section. Victora British as well. As for the valves clicking is the sound light or loud ? If only a minor clicking and if there is no visual damage ,if you can ignore it this may be the way to go. Just as long as there isnt a broken spring or a damaged lash pad or cam lobe. If a valve is a little loose it is better than too tight. I think you should try the carbs and then have a mechanic listen to the valve noise and evaluate the sound. That is if you know one you can trust. like 59 said check the springs and 2many said check the wear pattern on the cam it should be shinny and smooth on all the lobes , compair them to oneanother if one is worn you may have a flat cam.

[280zx Fever]

Originally posted by beandip

The low tec early Z is a different breed of cat.

meow ?

[zeiss150]

Problem solved guys!

It turns out I have had a bent valve the hole time:dead:! Talk about a bad way to start your day. Oh well now at least I have an excuse to drop in that L28.

Thanks guys, Matt-