Valve adjustment ?, fuel pump noise and spring ?

[BadDog]

2 questions on my '73 240 w/72 SU's, Pertronix Ignitor and MSA header:

1) re: valve adjustment - I am unable to get cam lobe #1 to point *exactly straight up* by kicking the ignition bit by bit. Is *close* good enough to check/adjust the clearance? If not, I need to turn the crank manually but I can't see how I can do so easily without potentially damaging the water pump by hitting the fan with a ratchet handle over and over...

2) while getting my Z running again after painting it, I removed the mechanical fuel pump to check its suction by manually actuating its lever. During the course of this, the little spring in the base of the lever popped out, and I put it back in the way it appeared to go, but it still looks like only gravity is holding it in :-( This may be the source of the annoyingly loud ticking/whirring noise I've noticed that increases with engine RPM. I found that with the valve cover off and the fuel pump installed, if I manually lift the lever up slightly, it doesn't push itself back down after being raised. However, the car runs srong otherwise and doesn't run out of fuel even thought rear electric fuel pump is long since dead... What does that little spring do and how do I make sure its installed properly?

-Ken P.

[240ZX]

BadDog, Regarding the valve adjustment.....use a socket/ratchet on the crank pulley bolt to turn the engine over. Take out the plugs before turning it over as it will be more difficult if you leave them in. If you don't have a shop manuaul, get one! Take your time and double check your adjustments after tightening the adjuster nuts.

[sblake01]

I just use a remote starter switch. Always worked for me.

[mlc240z]

yup, just bought one this past weekend.

Lisle #20750 about $20 at local auto parts store. the bigger chains (R&S in NJ, Autozone, didn't get to Sears ) didn't carry them anymore. makes bumping the engine a breeze.

bart

[BadDog]

Thanks, but the slightest ignition bumping doesn't get those cam lobes pointing *straight* up. Guess I'll have to hand-crank the engine to get right where I need to be.

Does anybody care to hazard a guess on my noisy fuel pump issue?

-Ken P.