MD VW Woes

Paul_H · October 03, 2005, 11:32:52 PM

It's a quick and easy setup too. Ole suggested an alternate way from MD. Start at #1 TDC and set tappets @ .008 ,then rotate the engine 1/2 turn counter clockwise and set #2, then 1/2 turn counter clockwise again and set #3, CCW 1/2 turn again and finish @ #4 cyl

Always when engine is cold.I'm sure I can remember Ole setting the valves,so I don't understand why they were so out of adjustment already.

Minnesota_boy · October 04, 2005, 07:31:27 AM

VW's were built in the old days when we still used tetraethyl lead to increase the octane rating of gasoline to prevent preignition. One of the side effects of this was to deposit a little lead on the valves and valve seats that cushioned the impact of the valve closing and made the valves last longer. The lead was removed from the fuel supply because of the other side effects it has on our lives and engines were made with harder valves to withstand the impact without the lead cushion. You VW is suffering from the wear associated with the removal of the lead. You can replace the valves and seats (if available) or you can adjust the valves a little more frequently.