Valve Adjustment tips for a 1983 280zx
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Valve Adjustment tips for a 1983 280zx
Hey folks,
So I'm getting a clunking noise and took it into a shop for it to be examined, they said the valves need to be adjusted.
I'd like to do it myself (I want to learn more about the car and more about mechanic work for it)
If you were talking to a total newbie (Even though I'm engineer), what would you recommend, what processes and what tools will be required.
My car is: 1983 Datsun 280zx NON TURBO - digital dash model, it has the overhead cooling unit on the engine, so I believe it's an L28?
So I'm getting a clunking noise and took it into a shop for it to be examined, they said the valves need to be adjusted.
I'd like to do it myself (I want to learn more about the car and more about mechanic work for it)
If you were talking to a total newbie (Even though I'm engineer), what would you recommend, what processes and what tools will be required.
My car is: 1983 Datsun 280zx NON TURBO - digital dash model, it has the overhead cooling unit on the engine, so I believe it's an L28?
The Good Twin
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 20,639
From: Wild Wild West, UTAH!
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 39
Is there anything I should look out for or be aware of when I conduct this. This will basically be my first time doing anything like this.
The Good Twin
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 20,639
From: Wild Wild West, UTAH!
Have a note pad handy so you can check off the ones you've done... that way you don't have to second guess your work.
Before doing any adjusting, check the specs as they are... that way you know at the beginning if there are any out of spec.
If they all need to be adjusted, adjust cold, replace valve cover, get up to operating temp, then adjust hot (you'll need some paper towels and leather gloves). Loosen all pivots at the beginning so you can go through them all more quickly.
The first time can feel sketchy... 2nd time is cake. Just follow the procedure EXACTLY as outlined in the FSM / Haynes.
EDIT... and make sure upon completion that all rocker springs are lined up correctly and secure.
Before doing any adjusting, check the specs as they are... that way you know at the beginning if there are any out of spec.
If they all need to be adjusted, adjust cold, replace valve cover, get up to operating temp, then adjust hot (you'll need some paper towels and leather gloves). Loosen all pivots at the beginning so you can go through them all more quickly.
The first time can feel sketchy... 2nd time is cake. Just follow the procedure EXACTLY as outlined in the FSM / Haynes.
EDIT... and make sure upon completion that all rocker springs are lined up correctly and secure.
Last edited by NismoPick; Apr 25, 2013 at 01:58 PM.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 39
Have a note pad handy so you can check off the ones you've done... that way you don't have to second guess your work.
Before doing any adjusting, check the specs as they are... that way you know at the beginning if there are any out of spec.
If they all need to be adjusted, adjust cold, replace valve cover, get up to operating temp, then adjust hot (you'll need some paper towels and leather gloves). Loosen all pivots at the beginning so you can go through them all more quickly.
The first time can feel sketchy... 2nd time is cake. Just follow the procedure EXACTLY as outlined in the FSM / Haynes.
EDIT... and make sure upon completion that all rocker springs are lined up correctly and secure.
Before doing any adjusting, check the specs as they are... that way you know at the beginning if there are any out of spec.
If they all need to be adjusted, adjust cold, replace valve cover, get up to operating temp, then adjust hot (you'll need some paper towels and leather gloves). Loosen all pivots at the beginning so you can go through them all more quickly.
The first time can feel sketchy... 2nd time is cake. Just follow the procedure EXACTLY as outlined in the FSM / Haynes.
EDIT... and make sure upon completion that all rocker springs are lined up correctly and secure.
How do I 'check the specs' on the engine? I see it outlined in the paperwork but is there any lamens terms explanations for how-to? Because If I'm to follow EXACTLY to spec, I need to make sure what I'm doing is right for a newbie.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2013
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From: South of Dallas
Feeler Gauge
OReilys or Autozone should carry them but you'd have to look yourself because nobody knows what they are anymore. Ask and you'll get a dumb stare back. I bought mine at Harbor Freight for about $2.00
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