I use Rhino Ramps instead of jackstands for valve adjustments, simpler & perhaps a bit more secure - no way the car will fall off, and the parking brake is a functional backup to chocking the front wheel(s). I use sections of 2x8 plank as pre-ramps for the Rhino Ramps.

 

Rhino Ramps are definitely a safer solution to jack stands, but how do you perfom valve adjustment without taking off the rear wheels? Am I missing something?

 

Quite easily, actually. There is no need to remove the rear wheels to do a valve adjustment. The exhaust components drop straight down, and there is plenty of room to do all that is necessary.

Is there a particular part of the procedure that you believe requires the wheels to be off?

 

After having done it, I'll have to say there is no way I'd do it with the wheels on. I can't imagine why you wouldn't want to have all that extra clearance for moving around considering it takes all of 10 minutes to take the wheels off.

 

Dave,

Come to think of it, most of components CAN be removed without taking off the wheels. But as stated by RedRS, I can't imagine NOT having the extra spaces and clearance. On the other hand, I do feel MUCH safer under the ramps. You've raised my curiosity, and I will for sure try it out the next time.

Thanks for the tip/new approach.

 

Peter,

You're welcome.

I've never tried valve adjustments with the wheels off, so perhaps I don't know what I'm missing... and it is refreshing to see that RedRS has a firm opinion on the issue. On the other hand, I've had no difficulties that made me wish I'd removed a wheel.

Some of the bolts for the metal shield on top of the cat I access by feel, and I use box wrenches (ratcheting box wrenches are good) on the 4 bolts fastening the cat to the exhaust manifold. Maybe those would be a little easier with the wheel off.


-Dave

 

I adjusted the valve clearances myself when I service the car. It is relatively straightforward if you have a decent, clean garage available and some tools.

 

We all know that your comment then rules out Nutbeem Nutbeem Garage

 

Not really! He could always lay the matress under the car and work in comfort

 

"He could always lay the matress under the car and work in comfort "
I think I'll do a photo of that .

 

I decided to have my valves adjusted by a specialist. The timing just wasn't right to tackle it myself right now.

Having driven the car this evening for the first time after the valves were adjust I can only say "Wow!" What a difference. I believe I was giving up power on the top end. The pull from 4k on is just amazing!

I liked this car plenty yesterday. Today is just a whole 'nother thing!

Thanks for the input, references and suggestions. I expect I'll tackle this job the next time around.

Cheers,
Dave

 

Good for you!!

Were you able to watch the tech do the valves? That is one way of learning what is involved and loosing some of the fear of working in the car. That is, if they let you inside the shop to watch.

 

Unfortunately I was unable to watch the work being done. I was working while the car was being serviced. I suspect the shop would have been open to the idea, but I didn't ask as I knew I couldn't be around.

The information from this site is thorough and I feel confident that I could tackle this job with the materials at hand: shop manuals, Streather's book, and diy notes from various sources. However, I absolutely have to finish the main bathroom before I spend a day, or two, on the car!

Cheers,
Dave