how easy is it to adjust the valves (tappets) on my 1997 ford ka?
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Ka razy
Very easy - one of the simplest engines about. Adjuster screws don't have lock nuts as they use interference fit screw threads. Can be very tight, so use a decent socket. When you do the job, which is a regular requirement on a Ka, be very sure you identify the inlet and exhaust valves correctly - they have a different arangement to, say, most older push rod engines. Check in a Haynes manual for the correct layout and adjustment method.
Regards
John S
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A note of caution, check for a sticker on the rocker cover advising of a wider valve clearance for the exhaust valves. Some of the later 'Endura' engines had this mod which may not be covered by the haynes manual.
Andrew
Happiness is a T70 at full chat!
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Well,tried to adjust the horrendous noisy tappets today, and failed.Workshop manual tells you to turn the engine with a spanner on the crankshaft pulley,what it doesn't say is you have to be double jointed,due to lack of room.Also not sure about which valves are rocking.Can anyone help,yip i'm a bit of a novice..
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Workshop manual tells you to turn the engine with a spanner on the crankshaft pulley,what it doesn't say is you have to be double jointed,due to lack of room.
Park the car on level ground. Remove spark plugs. Engage 2nd or 3rd gear and with the handbrake off pull car toward you, hence this will turn the engine over for you.
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Chock the back wheels of the car (Ka!) then jack up the offside front wheel so that it's just clear of the ground. Put the car in 2nd gear. Make sure the ignition is off and take the key out just to be safe. Turn the wheel by grabbing the tyre that is off the ground in a forward direction, the engine will then turn over and you can adjust the valves in turn. Don't worry the car won't move! You should be able to see the engine as you rotate the wheel; if not get someone else to turn the road wheel. Watch each pair of valves; rock the wheel back and forth until you are sure a valve is fully open then adjust it but don't mix the exhaust and inlet. When an inlet valve is fully open the corresponding exhaust valve will be fully shut and vice-versa.
If you want to make turning over the engine really easy take the spark plugs out - it's a good chance to check the plug gaps.
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You had better take care not to snap the plugs off in the engine block, (as dicussed on an earlier thread - Ka seized spark plugs), or you will regret not taking the car to a Ford main Dealer in the first place!!!
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Thanks for your help.Job done.
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