[T3] T3] Valve adjustment

["Norman Wilsman" <wilsman@uswest.net>]

I also would like to thank the list for all of the great posts over the
years.  I too have just started getting under the hood (I mean the trunk) of
my squareback and have found this a great resource along with the Bentley,
the Muir and to a lesser extent the Haynes manuals.
Like Peter, I also did my first valve adjustment this weekend.  I found one
exhaust at .009 and another at .003 and put them both at .006.  It does feal
like an extra horse or two jumped in there!
But....  the covers leak.  The former owner has used the cork gaskets which
always leaked a little.  When I took them off they fell apart.  What I got
at CheckerAuto (I know, here it comes...) were of the rubber sort and
thinner than the cork.  I didnt really want to glue them in there (per Muir)
since I wasn't sure how it might run so I used wheel bearing grease on both
sides of the gasket and slapped the covers on.
Now,  the cars running great and I don't have a problem with "glueing them
on" any longer.  But I wanted to ask what anyone their thoughts on the best
way to seal them on "OIL TIGHT".
Or, I might just run to the store and get some gasket cement.
Thanks again.

Norm Wilsman
68' Squareback
Golden Valley, MN



>I have noticed that my wife's T3 has sprung a minor leak on the driver side
>valve cover.
>I understand that the valve cover gaskets should be replaced often. I also
>understand that the valves should be adjusted often.
>I will pick up new gaskets tomorrow and proceed to make this adjustment on
>Saturday. I have never done this to a VW before. I need all the guiding I
>could get.

>I assume the oil should first be drained and the spark plugs be removed to
>facilitate turning the engine.
>Which is the easiest way to turn the engine accurately to find TDC of each
>cylinder?
 >I also would like to replace plugs at this time. I have no tune up
>equipment so I will have the timing and dwell checked at a local vw
mechanic
>later.
>I would like to know what is the easiest method to find top dead center of
>each cylinder and any other info I should know about the valve adjustment.
>I have the idiot book and a Haynes manual but no Bentley yet. I will read
>them too.
>Also since I am changing plugs is the much advantage to using the newer
>platinum type? Or any other suggestion I was going to buy Bosch plugs from
>Cram here in Omaha.

>And as far as the oil the previous owner used 20w50 oil while he owned it.
I
>have had the oil changed by a mechanic and 10w 30 was used. The owners
>manual suggest this type of oil as well. What is the best oil to use in
this
>engine? And how often should the screen be changed?
>The engine runs fine now for the most part and I am merrily doing
preventive
>maintenance.


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