Posted by oscar on Monday, March 17, 2003 at 3:01AM :
In Reply to: M-37 running and on the road posted by Jock on Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 10:18PM :
To adjust the valves
you need : 2 tappet wrenches (thin open end wrenches 7/16x1/2 or 1/2x9/16 (i don't remember which)
1 set wheel blocks
1 pair of heat gloves - the exhaust pipe is hot.
1 ea 0.009 , 0.010, 0.011 feeler guages
2 heavy duty jack stands ( I use piles of 4x4 wood blocks stacked like log cabins 3 per layer)
1 pair of safety glasses - to keep HOT oil out of your eyes!
1. block up the wheels on the drivers side.
2. remove the inner fender on the right side
3. remove the right front wheel and place a jackstand under the right front axle.
4. add a second jackstand (4000 lbs type) for safety
5. check the transmission AND transfer case are in neutal and the park brake is set ON.
6. recheck #5 and #1
7 start the engine and run until the thermostat opens - the radiator top gets hot
8.with the engine running @ idle remove the valve covers - (right side of engine).
9. adjust the valves with the engine running.
Yes - this does mean you will be inside the right front wheel well during the adjustment.
That's the reason for setting the park brake, the wheel blocks AND putting the transmission AND transfer into neutual.
And NO you can not do this from the top of the fender.
My book shows 0.010 with the engine hot for exhaust and intake. the .009 should slip in easily, the .010 should slide in with a bit of drag. The .011 should not slide in easily (it will go in but it requires more force).
Do all the valves in turn (1-6) and then do all valves again. Repeat for a third time.
Doing the valves 3 times seems to even everything out and seems to last a lot longer than just doing 1 adjustment set.
Put everything back together. The heat resistant gloves are great for keeping your skin intact. The oil and exhaust pipe get hot.
Plan on 2 hours if the inner fender comes loose easily. Remember having the truck move or have a jack stand collaspe will ruin your entire day.
You might just plan to adjust the brakes also while you're out having fun - don't forget to grease the truck too.
good luck
oscar
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