I finally got around to adjusting my valves in my 74 Bug and I thought I'd share my undertaking. I've heard repeatedly that this, and changing your oil, is one of things you should learn and be able to do on your vintage VW's. Although I'm not a newbie working on a car I've never done this before so I was a bit apprehensive about doing this at first.
I did some research on doing this and video's help me out a lot. One is a dvd series called Bug Me Video which are very helpful and on YouTube I usually check out Chris Vallone's Classic VW Bugs(see above videos) how-to videos which are very helpful. Another handy reference of course is the "How to keep your Volkswagen Alive" manual which was also very handy
A few things you'll need are:
- A feeler gauge
- Screwdriver - long blade if possible
- Valve cover gaskets (Wolfsburg West part no. 113101481F)
- 13 mm wrench - a ratchet and 13mm socket may be used in initial loosening but open ended wrench works better for actual adjustment
- Large adjustable wrench.
- PB Blaster or your favorite equivalent penetrating oil
- Permatex High Tack Gasket Sealant(again or your favorite equivalent)
- Rags
- Patience
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| From "How to keep your Volkswagen alive"(19th Edition) by John Muir |
I inspected the area and the valve cover was in arms length under the passenger rear of Bug which is where it is recommended you start. In one video it was recommended you take the rear tire off for easier access but I didn't (and I would later regret this decision). It is recommended you start at cylinder number 1 which is on the passenger side furthest to the front of the vehicle(see above picture).
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| Cylinder 1 is the two on the right. |
First step is to pop the valve which is pried off with your large screwdriver.Once you move the bar holding it down the cover should come off easily if it hasn't already. To start at cylinder one You must set the engine to cylinder 1 as mentioned to before. I used my large adjustable wrench to turn the pulley wheel which has a notch in where TDC.
Starting with the first cylinder I loosen the nut on the rocker and insert the feeler gauge just behind it at (.006). Using my screwdriver I adjust the middle of the nut to just enough that it's just a light dragging and then tighten the nut. It took awhile to get it just right. It was a tough reach from my creeper and by now I'm already thinking I should have taken the wheel off like recommended but being stubborn and short on time I forged ahead. Kind of like other things in my life but thats another story.
Turning the pulley wheel 180 degree counterclockwise I did the number two cylinder switched the opposite side doing three and four. By the end I learned that I'll jack the car up and take wheels off to do it next.
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| Careful with gasket glue it can get on your clothes easily. |
After that I replaced the valve covers after installing a new gasket. It's a good idea to use something like Permatex High Tack Gasket Sealant which holds the gasket in place while installing and also help give it a good seal.
In summary I learned three major things:
- How to adjust the valves.
- Next time adjust valves remove wheels for easier access.
- Also in future wear work clothes or at least something you won't mind accidentally rub red high tack gasket sealant on your nice khaki shorts.
I did take it for a test drive afterward and it did seem to have a little more pep in the higher gears. I was happy that worked out and won't be as intimidated doing it in the future.
Thanks for coming by and have a great day.
