Valve adjustment on a 914-6, Pictures please Options

[John]

Does anyone have any photo evidence that it is possible to remove the lower valve covers (to do a valve adjustment) with the 6-cyl engine in the car?

I have heard rumors that it is possible to do without removing the engine, and I do not believe that the covers will clear the lower studs and the suspension console without lowering the engine (which I do not want to do).

I'll attempt it, if some kind folks will post some pictures of how to get the lower valve covers off.

For those of you who don't know, I am in process of moving away from my shop and am temporarily in an apartment. I moved the car over here, but it is in need of a valve adjustment and all I have is an apartment size garage and almost no tools. There is a Harbor Freight store in town where I may get some temporary tools to get the job done, or I may bring some tools back with me on my next trip home. (very likely to happen)

On second thought, I could probably get the car high enough to pull the motor and do a proper job here in the apartment garage. I just need my tools............

For those who care, I am moving from Kansas City to Evansville, IN.

I would still like to see some pictures (of removing the lower valve covers) if anyone has any.


P.S. the engine is a 1984 3.2

[PRS914-6]

Thank You! You guys reminded me why I was so insistent on getting a 95 engine with hydraulic lifters.

Don't laugh.....One thing that can really help you is learning how to adjust without the feeler gauge. THIS IS NOT FOR EVERYONE!!! If you have worked around these engines before you would be surprised how well you can set the valves without a feeler gauge. Set the easiest first using the feeler gauge and note how much the rocker moves as a reference by rocking at the elephant foot. Adjust the others accordingly. Believe it or not, there is a huge difference in motion when you are off .001. Try it! Set one at .005 and note how much more motion there is. I can easily tell if it's at .005 or .004

Once you get rid of the feeler gauge hassle the job goes to minutes instead of hours. I would be willing to bet that many shops use this method (but would not tell you) When I do my 911, I use this method and always double check a few. They are always spot on but I have been a machinist most of my life. Again, it's not for everyone and discouraged for some......I also use a remote starter switch while under the car. I always make sure to rotate the engine so that for every valve adjustment the heal of the cam lobe is in the proper position. Overkill but it gives me piece of mind and assures no mistakes. If you can't tell the difference between .004 or .005 clearance, I would use a feeler gauge.YMMV.....