QUOTE(r_towle @ Oct 12 2009, 09:33 AM)
First off, think about what the camshaft looks like.
You share a lobe with two valves.
If you remove both valve covers, when a valve on the left side of the motor is fully compressed, the valve on the right side of the motor is then ready for adjustment, its on the back of that same lobe.
Forget TDC...forget what you know.
Just ensure that the valve on the left side is as open as it can be...rock the motor back and forth a little bit and watch that valve.
When you know its fully open, the valve on the other side is fully closed.
For finding the final TDC mark, use a mirror and look for the notch on the fan closest to the rear of the motor..its not easy to find.
Regardless of how the distributor drive gear is installed, or where the notch on the distributor is located, once you find the mark on the fan, you are on TDC for number one.
From there you need to ensure your firing order is correct.
That is 1432 clockwise looking from the top.
For the gap, its 006 and simple.
Rich
Rich,
OK, so my presumption is correct and I did screw the pooch on this one. So, remember shade tree mechanic here, I get the sucker to TDC (I can feel the notch where you're talking about, didn't need a mirror) adjust the valve screw that is open to .006." Now, rotate the wheel until I hit TDC mark again and adjust the other valve screw. When you say "valve" I am making the assumption you mean the valve screw on the rocker arm as the actual valve will be closed and I should be able to move the rocker arm up and down slightly.
Is my comprehension correct or am I still way out in left field? I assume that this would cause a problem with starting or just with it running crappy?
As for the other questions, yes, the distributor cap was back on and yes, I checked to ensure all connections were solid. As stated earlier, the car actually fired up and ran, roughly, on Saturday. So close yet so far!!