Valve Clearance Adjustment
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1983 Volkswagen Vanagon, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit, 1983 Volkswagen Quantum, 1983 Volkswagen Pickup, and 1983 Volkswagen Jetta. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Engine should be near operating temperature. Rotate crankshaft so that cam lobes for No. 1 cylinder (curb side) point upward. Check intake and exhaust clearance between heel of cam lobe and follower.
- Use crankshaft pulley to rotate crankshaft 180° at a time and check No. 3, No. 4, and No. 2 clearance. If clearances are not within specifications, use thinner or thicker adjusting discs to increase or decrease clearance.NOTE: DO NOT turn engine by camshaft pulley as this will stretch drive belt. Use a wrench to turn crankshaft or push vehicle in fourth gear to move crankshaft and valve train.
- Twenty-six different thicknesses of discs are available in increments of .0019" (.05 mm) from .1181" (3.0 mm) to .1673" (4.25 mm). To install, turn crankshaft about 1/4 turn past TDC and press cam follower down with tool (VW 546). Remove old disc with special pliers (VW 10-208) and insert new disc with etched thickness marking toward cam follower.
VALVE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS
| Application | In. (mm) | |
|---|---|---|
| Intake | ||
| Hot | .008-.012 (.20-.30) | |
| Cold | .006-.010 (.15-.25) | |
| Exhaust | ||
| Hot | .016-.020 (.40-.50) | |
| Cold | .014-.018 (.35-.45) | |
NOTE:
Cold settings are given for reference as initial settings to be used during cylinder head rework. Final adjustments are made at normal operating temperatures and should be checked after 1000 miles of operation