L20 Valves setting

[kdatsun610p]

How do u set the valves on an L20 ? Every time i set them they start clanking. So how do I exactly do it do it doesn't make noise again?

[crackerjack69]

How do u set the valves on an L20 ? Every time i set them they start clanking. So how do I exactly do it do it doesn't make noise again?

 

 

Mklotz has an excellent video on this forum for this :D Can you describe what method you are using?

[kdatsun610p]

I put the feeler guage and slide it in and out till it good and then I tighten it and where the video exactly?

[crackerjack69]

http://community.ratsun.net/topic/16539-l-series-valve-adjustment/

[kdatsun610p]

Thanks:)

[bananahamuck]

In my opinion setting them so tight they don`t make any noise at all is to tight...tends to burn the valves if ran real hard .and always do them with engine hot..

 

But everybody has a different opinion..

[kdatsun610p]

In my opinion setting them so tight they don`t make any noise at all is to tight...tends to burn the valves if ran real hard .and always do them with engine hot..

 

But everybody has a different opinion..

So how warm should the engine be like average temp.? And what size feeler gauge should I use when hot?

[datzenmike]

Have tools ready, take car out for 15 min drive and you are ready.

 

Set motor to TDC #1 compression and set the following valves: I =intake, E = exhaust

 

E on # 1

I on # 1

I on # 2

E on # 3

 

Turn motor exactly one revolution and bring to TDC mark.

 

E on # 2

I on # 3

I on # 4

E on # 4.... done. You should be able to do this befoe the motor cools significantly.

[DanielC]

The valves on a L engine will make a little noise. If they are not making some noise, they are too tight, possibly holding a valve open slightly, and that will lead to burned valves, and the need to remove the head, and do a valve job.

 

I have found that if you set them at .008 intake, and .010 exhaust COLD, they will be around .010 intake, and .012 exhaust hot.

[kdatsun610p]

Thanks guys I think i got them set... How much compression should be in each cylinder?

[crackerjack69]

Really depends. More important that the cylinders are all close to same compression. My truck's recent results were 165 cold

[kdatsun610p]

Really depends. More important that the cylinders are all close to same compression. My truck's recent results were 165 cold

All of them are at 140 cold .. Is there a way to increases compression? Before I had and L18 head on my motor and it had about 195 cold

[datzenmike]

140 is..... ok. Higher is always better but as long as even across it will idle and run fine. Was the L18 head a closed chamber A-87?? What head in on there now?

[DanielC]

A compression test on an engine can vary a lot depending on the a lot of other factors, besides the condition of the rings and valves. It should be done when the engine is at normal operating temperature, throttle wide open, without spark plugs in any cylinders, with a fully charged battery, and a good starter.

My service manual says compression should be between 159 and 171 PSI, at a cranking RPM of 350. this is for a L-16. L-20-B engines may be different.

 

If after doing a compression test, you put about a teaspoon of engine oil in each cylinder, and do a compression test again, and the numbers go up a significant amount, it is an indication of piston ring wear.

[kdatsun610p]

140 is..... ok. Higher is always better but as long as even across it will idle and run fine. Was the L18 head a closed chamber A-87?? What head in on there now?

I don't kno what's an a-87 ... But I have an L20 head

[kdatsun610p]

A compression test on an engine can vary a lot depending on the a lot of other factors, besides the condition of the rings and valves. It should be done when the engine is at normal operating temperature, throttle wide open, without spark plugs in any cylinders, with a fully charged battery, and a good starter.

My service manual says compression should be between 159 and 171 PSI, at a cranking RPM of 350. this is for a L-16. L-20-B engines may be different.

 

If after doing a compression test, you put about a teaspoon of engine oil in each cylinder, and do a compression test again, and the numbers go up a significant amount, it is an indication of piston ring wear.

Thanks il try it out

[datzenmike]

I don't kno what's an a-87 ... But I have an L20 head

 

I guess my post this morning didn't go through.

 

For head ID look on the bottom outside edge just behind the #1 spark plug.

 

 

 

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