Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) What's your technique to reach #5 and #6 cylinders for valve adjustment?

[Treetopflyer]

Hi all, don't know if this is in my signature so here it goes: 1995 2500 2WD extended cab, long bed, NV4500, 281,000 miles
I just spent a weekend adjusting the valves on said truck, first time always takes the longest. Is there a trick for laying across the engine to get to the aft two cylinders? DIY platform? Matress? Hover craft?
Also, these 2nd gen 12V's have "slotted" adjusters instead of "allen head/socket" style. This is really a pain (literally) to hold the proper lash while tightening the lock nut. Are there allen style replacements or possibly a flat tip bit with a collar so it stays centered and engaged on the adjuster slot?
Side note: Don't anticipate re-using the valve cover gaskets...mine were not leaking, but when I tried to re-install them they had swelled more than 3/4"...had to run to the parts store on a Sunday and was lucky to have them in stock.
Thanks...The TDR magazine and this site have helped me diagnose issues and tackle jobs with confidence...well worth the investment.
Doug in Yuma

 

[RBeard]

Tree,
Yep it's a bear to get back to the back, but I have a deer strainer front guard that I stand on and lean over to adjust the back ones.

 

[Ozymandias]

#ad


Forklift

 

[Bob4x4]

I have a couple old snap-on chevy valve adjust tools-they work perfect for the 12 valve

 

[Treetopflyer]

Ozymadias...That's what I'm talking about!!! Don't have access to fork lift but maybe I can fab up a over engine creeper? Someone makes one I'm sure.
Bob4x4...I'll search for that. All the tools I found (and own) are for socket head...I'm still looking

 

[Ozymandias]

Look at Summitracing.com for it, they sell such creeper with a ladder on, and not expensive.
For me the shipping is to expensive.
http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/txn-3-100/overview/

 

[seafish]

#ad


Forklift

My forklifts main job is loading and unloading units of lumber, but I have also used it with a guy on a pallet on and with a safety harness and chainsaw to trim the tree branches along my road. I'm Gonna add this your idea to my list of useful hints to do with a forklift!!

 

[Bob4x4]

here is what I use- http://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-Ove...-V21E-Rocker-Arm-Tappet-VINTAGE-/301630770425

 

[Treetopflyer]

Thanks for coming through guys...that is exactly what I am talking about on both counts.
I'd love to see or read how others tackle working over the back of the engine, this is a pretty creative bunch here.

 

[ewcmr2]

Stand on a five gallon bucket.

 

[Treetopflyer]

ewcmr2..."Stand on a five gallon bucket", really? Are you just trying to building your reply count? I could use a rope around my neck as a safety line too, right?
We all use what we have on hand to get the job done, i.e. bucket, milk create, step ladders, etc. The gist of the question is, is there a BETTER way? The folks on this site have come up with some pretty creative ways of tackling difficult problems and have been graciousness enough to share what they have learned. For those that have worked on the aft end of the engine from the topside know that it is a akin to a circus act for older bodies.

ewcrm2, if I did not take your reply in the manner in which you intended (an attempt at levity), then I am sorry, but too many times people just throw stuff on a thread that doesn't serve the OP and his or her dilemma.

 

[ewcmr2]

I was totally serious. A bucket is cheap, quick, and just the right height (for me anyway)
Maybe the trick is to do the valve adjustment job from the passenger side instead of the front?

You didn't mention age/infirmity in the OP. I was born in the 60's and haven't developed a fear of buckets yet...

 

[Bob4x4]

I prefer things that are heavy or sticky enough to not slide......that being said doing p65 recalls is hard on anyones back maybe more so if you are a made in the 50's kind of guy

 

[RVTRKN]

Here is a link to something other than a forklift, to access the back of the engine comfortably. This is what I remember we did back in the 70's in the shop I worked in. http://www.nomadmfg.com/the-elevator/

 

[mwilson]

Fell off of a few 5 gallon pails and milk crates......spotted these at Tractor Supply, bought it and never looked back.
http://m.tractorsupply.com/en/store/powerbuiltreg;-truck-tire-service-step

 

[baldeagle]

Fell off of a few 5 gallon pails and milk crates......spotted these at Tractor Supply, bought it and never looked back.
http://m.tractorsupply.com/en/store/powerbuiltreg;-truck-tire-service-step

Thats what Im talking about. I worked at a automotive and truck repair shop for a short time. Its a life saver for the mechanics working on the larger pickups that had a high reach over the side fenders.

 

[Treetopflyer]

ewcmr2, please accept my apology. I used a bucket & a milk crate but both have a tendency to kick out when reaching that far back. We appear to be similar in age and I'm still pretty spry but I will admit that multiple back surgeries don't lend themselves to this type of labor.

RVTRKN: Thanks for the post...nice unit, pricey, but nice

mwilson: I own one of those service steps and I do find it to be most useful...I especially like to use it while getting into the truck bed for loading and unloading.

I'd like to build something like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzgJm6akiR0

 

[Ozymandias]

Is 250$ really to expensive for such a creeper??

 

[Treetopflyer]

The "Elevator" goes for $677.00 + tax & shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/Nomad-Manufacturing-Elevator-Engine-Creeper/dp/B00HVGMFU4

 

[Ozymandias]

Didn't you recognize the link to Summit I set a page before? There is such a creeper for 249.-$