I am preparing to perform a leak down test on Marlene, but first I want to check the valves, to see if they are in need of adjustment. It has been over a year since they were last adjusted, but I haven't put that many miles on her in the interim. The odometer doesn't work, naturally, so I really have no idea. I do know that I drove it as a daily driver for a couple of months, but only sporadically after that. Certainly way less than 5,000 miles--- probably more like 2-3,000 at the most.
Here I am trying to insert the feeler gauge to check the #5 cylinder (nearest the radiator) intake valve. The .004 gauge won't fit because the valve is set too tight. Recommended practice when setting valves is to err on the side of 'too loose' rather than 'too tight'. This valve needs to be loosened.
This next intake valve is set properly, and you can see the feeler gauge is able to slip through to the other side, with just a 'slight drag' as it is pulled through. That is a technique that you will develop a 'feel' for, pun intended, as you do it a few times. When in doubt, I will test the gap with the .005 gauge, and if that gauge can slide through, it is too loose. I would tighten it a hair.
Here is another tight valve, as you can see. The .004 feeler gauge cannot fit, and is bending as I try to slip it through.
This valve is set OK, as were most of the rest. All of the 5 exhaust valves were set correctly, but I found three intake valves that were too tight.
TROUBLE BREWING:
Here is an example of a problem often talked about in diesel forums: the separator bracket is missing on the injection lines, and if you look carefully you can see where these two have been rubbing. There is also a little rust developing. That is trouble ahead. I will need to separate them better, and I probably should replace them to avoid a burst injector line. I HATE when that happens! :)
