Red valve clearances

[PeteR]

Hi,
Can somebody tell me the correct clearances for a 186? It's got the "adjustable" rockers (nut on the rocker post). I've just put new lifters in the old girl, one way she's lovely and quiet but then idles rough as guts when hot. The other way (set at 5 thou hot) she taps better than Fred and Ginger.
One mechanis told me to tighten each rocker until the engine runs rough, then back it off half a turn. Is this right??? (seems a bit dodgey to me!)

Thanks,
Pete R

[craiga]

Hi Pete,

With the engine at operating temperature back them off until they start to tap, then tighten them slowly 1/8 of a turn at a time until noise disappears, then tighten a further 1/2 to 3/4 turn.

If you have got an old rocker cover cut out the top using a grinder and fit it to the engine while you carry out the adjustments. It's a lot cleaner this way!!!!!

Good Luck.

Cheers,

Craig.

[PeteR]

Thanks Craig, I'll go for a run and then come back and burn my pinkies    I think I've got an old rocker cover too!

Pete