Valve Tappet Clearance write-up?

[wilbur1]

The valve that you are measuring the clearance on is in the correct position to measure when the camshaft lobe is pointed180 degrees from the tappet, The flywheel wheel should be marked for top dead center for number one cylinder, you can place an index card on the flywheel and accurately locate top dead center of the other cylinders.

The cost to purchase a kit that includes all of the different shim thicknesses would be cost prohibitive. Once you take the clearance on each valve you have to remove the original shim to determine the wear, you may find that it may be used on one of the other valves. I hope I find that that I only need a few new shims at $7 each since I have twin engines.

From researching the subject, it appears that you will find that most clearances will be found within tolerance. I'm hope that's the case in my situation.

I have been wondering if you can reuse the valve cover gasket, what's you thought on this?

Jim

Can you explain this index card on the flywheel a little further.? Thanks

[redlowrey]

Another newb question but Tappet Clearance part of manual says to turn crankshaft but no instructions on how to do that. Do I also have to take the ring gear cover off and there is a bolt I can turn (LH) to advance the crankshaft?

''''''''''''' By the sounds of it you have limited knowledge of how to check and adjust the shim clearance, it is easy when you can fit a feeler gauge between the shim and the cam lobe, but what are you going to do when you come across a valve that has no clearance at all and the valve might be off its seat a few thou, and if it is a df 150 or 175 there would be a good chance of that. That is why you have to have a shim kit, other wise you are going to be in a world of hurt with down time.

[Harper]

jHydroman is correct, flywheel turns easily by hand, even without removing the sparkplugs on my DF150. I did reuse the gasket, twice, once when I measured all the clearances and catalogued the shims, and again when replacing the shims. Well over half of my valves were out of spec at the first 200 hour check, all too tight. Most numbers were readable on the shims, but some were not. So I checked them with a micrometer, and ordered what I needed. And as was pointed out, some clearances could be corrected with shims from other valves, instead of new shims.

My DF150 has four bolts holding the flywheel cover down.

[jHydroman]

The ring gear (flywheel) cover is only secured by one Phillips head machine screw and 2 rubber grommets, once the bolt is removed you just pop the cover off.

The crankshaft turns relatively easy with the spark plugs removed, just remember to turn only in the direction that is shown on the flywheel.

Jim

[LPowers]

Another newb question but Tappet Clearance part of manual says to turn crankshaft but no instructions on how to do that. Do I also have to take the ring gear cover off and there is a bolt I can turn (LH) to advance the crankshaft?

[jHydroman]

The valve that you are measuring the clearance on is in the correct position to measure when the camshaft lobe is pointed180 degrees from the tappet, The flywheel wheel should be marked for top dead center for number one cylinder, you can place an index card on the flywheel and accurately locate top dead center of the other cylinders.

The cost to purchase a kit that includes all of the different shim thicknesses would be cost prohibitive. Once you take the clearance on each valve you have to remove the original shim to determine the wear, you may find that it may be used on one of the other valves. I hope I find that that I only need a few new shims at $7 each since I have twin engines.

From researching the subject, it appears that you will find that most clearances will be found within tolerance. I'm hope that's the case in my situation.

I have been wondering if you can reuse the valve cover gasket, what's you thought on this?

Jim

[LPowers]

If anyone is doing this anytime soon, can you please post a write-up of the process? Service manual doesn't specify how to turn the crank or if it should be at a TDC setting. Also, is there a shim kit to buy or would I have to purchase individual shims after I get the measurements and wait for shipment?