I'm doing a valve adjustment on my GS-R, but I have a few questions. First off, does "slight amount of drag" mean that you should be able to slide the feeler gauge back and forth without much resistance? I'm not quite sure how much resistance there should be.

Also, does it matter which side of the cam lobe/lifter you insert the feeler gauge into? If so, should you use the side closest to the lock nut or the other side? Thanks.

-Jeff

 

"slight amount of drag" means you can slide it and still feel it rubbing against the rocker arm and cam lobe.

it really doesn't matter what way the feeler gauges go in. i just went from the side towards the front of the car.

 

But it should be able to slide back and forth without being notchy?

-Jeff

 

basically, it shouldn't snag.

 

Here are a couple ways to think about it:

1) On my 98 GS-R, the intake valve clearance is 0.006-0.007in. What this means is that the 0.006in slides through, and the 0.007in does not.

Since these are wierd/fine clearances, I needed to buy the feeler gauges with 20-25 blades, so I had both a 0.006 and 0.007.

2) If you just have the 0.006 feeler, slide it in, and tighten the bolt so that it is nudging the feeler. If you can't get the feeler out, it's too tight. If you can get the feeler out, you're done. (Just repeat 15 more times!)

Good luck!

 

Alright, thanks guys. Also, in the Helm's manual it says you are supposed to retorque the crank pulley bolt to 130-ft/lbs. Is this necessary... if so, how do you properly do it, as turning the bolt clockwise will just crank the engine backwards.

-Jeff

 

"Slight drag" will always throw you off and cause you to adjust too loose.

Think of it this way. The feeler guage is that size...so if the specs are .007" and the guage you are using is .007", thats what you want the clearance to be, the thickness of that guage. Meaning slight drag should be rephrased to "firm grab." You shouldnt have to pull it hard to get it out, but it shouldnt slide right out without a bit of wiggle either.

 

As for the crank pulley, I wouldnt worry about retorquing it at all.

 

^agreed, because it is a PAIN in the ass to retorque without the help of some specialty tools.

 

After doing the job, is it a good idea to add a bit more oil (.2 qts or so)?

-Jeff