Distributor Timing & Valve Adjustment

[HopLite]

Disclaimer: Newby with a wrench

Just bought a 60! ('87 FJ60...stock) and I'm learning what I've gotten myself into.

I hear the ticking that, according to my research on MUD, tells me I need to adjust my valves. So that will be one of my weekend projects. I will most definitely be using my FSM and the many posts here on MUD (thank you to all who contributed about valve adjustments).

My stupid question is...Will this affect my timing? (and vice versa...will adjusting my distributor timing mean I have to adjust my valves?). I surely hope not, because that would be a spiraling vortex of adjustments. If so, I will surely take my slightly out-of-adjustment but drivable 2F and adjust myself into a corner that I can't get out of.

Right now, I know enough theory to get myself into trouble, but not enough practical wrenching time to get myself out of whatever hole I've just dug.

So here goes!

 

[bri368x]

Disclaimer: Newby with a wrench

Just bought a 60! ('87 FJ60...stock) and I'm learning what I've gotten myself into.

I hear the ticking that, according to my research on MUD, tells me I need to adjust my valves. So that will be one of my weekend projects. I will most definitely be using my FSM and the many posts here on MUD (thank you to all who contributed about valve adjustments).

My stupid question is...Will this affect my timing? (and vice versa...will adjusting my distributor timing mean I have to adjust my valves?). I surely hope not, because that would be a spiraling vortex of adjustments. If so, I will surely take my slightly out-of-adjustment but drivable 2F and adjust myself into a corner that I can't get out of.

Right now, I know enough theory to get myself into trouble, but not enough practical wrenching time to get myself out of whatever hole I've just dug.

So here goes!

Just my 2 cents.

If you have never adjusted valves before, you may want to have a buddy who has give you some hands on advice. Over tightening a valve or leaving it too loose can have some serious effects on your engine.

As for your timing, adjusting valves won't change your timing, but checking it is an easy thing and you may want to do it anyways.

 

[Marc311]

Ticking could also be an exhaust leak. But you need to regularly adjust your valves, so it can't hurt. Some people do it hot, some do it on a cold engine, some with the engine running, some with it stopped.

I do it with the engine warm, since the FSM calls for that (although the people who do it cold don't seem to have any problems). I've done the TDC method and the engine running method. I was surprised, but doing it with the engine running was actually easier and, I think, more accurate. It did chew up my feeler guages a little bit.

The hardest part is removing the variety of hoses in order to get your valve cover off. But it is also a good way to start to get familiar with all those hoses. Just label them as you remove them - it is really just the ones connected to the air cleaner.

And this won't effect your spark timing (distributor). I suppose it technically effects your valve timing, but that's a different animal.

 

[HopLite]

Thank you. I'll take your advice on having a buddy help with the timing. He says I'll have no problem, but the risks of going solo are not worth the consequences.

 

[Cruiser1855]

Thank you. I'll take your advice on having a buddy help with the timing. He says I'll have no problem, but the risks of going solo are not worth the consequences.

Hey HopLite - Let me know how it goes. I'm in the same boat with my 62...tapping is driving me nuts. Done some wrenching but haven't tackled this job yet.

 

[crzrcrzy]

I usually drag my wife into the shop when im doing a valve adjust. that extra pair of hands sure makes the job go smoother. shes gettin so good at it after a couple more valve jobs i'll be able to just watch and have a beer.. Gotta love a good woman.

 

[Winston]

If you haven't driven a 60 before, the "ticking" may also be normal.
2Fs may a pretty good tick even when properly adjusted.

 

[HopLite]

The valve adjustment was a snap. I do recommend those 'bent' feeler gauges over the straight variety. I did have a buddy help (good suggestion). There is an 'art' to the feel of the feeler gauge...too tight vs. too loose vs. just right.

Ran the engine till hot
Unbolted/ disconnected everything
Removed the spark plugs
Used a wrench on one of the pulleys to turn the motor
Adjusted them one-by-one
Ran smoother overall

Tonight is the side cover gasket, distributor cap & rotor, and new spark plug wires!