Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) valve adjusting help mpg?

[MAleksandrowicz]

i am getting about 14-15 mpg average and i have not had the valves adjusted recently. i was wondering if having them done will make me gain mpg and if so about how much. also what do i need to adjust them myself and what is the tolerances for them. thanks a lot

 

[AWray]

I have never had a mpg gain from a valve adjustment. I suppose it is possible that you could gain mpg if your valves are way out.



To adjust the valves, you need an engine barring tool (from Snap-on, Cummins, etc), the ability to find TDC, . 010 & . 020 feeler gauges, some metric wrench size I can't remember and a flat blade screwdriver. You may need new valve cover gaskets depending on their condition and how easily they come off.



Some say you can turn the engine over using the alternator nut. You can but it turns the engine in the opposite direction of normal rotation. You be the judge if that is the method you want to use.



Good Luck

 

[MHalloran]

i am getting about 14-15 mpg average and i have not had the valves adjusted recently. i was wondering if having them done will make me gain mpg and if so about how much. also what do i need to adjust them myself and what is the tolerances for them. thanks a lot

Check back in ISSUE 29 (I believe it was) maybe about page 40-something. They call it the valve adjustment "voo-doo" method. A do it yourself thing which I found fairly easy. I was skeptical at first, but this does work. Go for it! Why pay someone to do it when it can done on your own? Good Luck!

 

[Bandit1]

it is easy, you need a stubby flat head screwdriver, a 9/16's closed angled wrench, seom feeler gauges and i used a 1/2 drive socket wrench on the alternator pulley just take it slow whiel pushing on the Timing pin so you dont snap it off. i have an easy set of directions at home if you want them just pm me. takes about an hr