[xk] Valve adjustment

XK
1

Hi everybody,
Is there a publication, website or write-up of the procedure to check and
adjust valves while engine is in the car (assembled)? Info appreciated.
Jerry Oliver
Olympia, WA

2

In reply to a message from JerrysJaguar sent Sat 1 Apr 2006:

Jerry
Check the archives. There has been numerous discussions on this in
the XK Engine forum. It’s really quite simple, even though it can
be a bit frustrating at times. You will need an accurate 0 to 1’’
micrometer and a set of feeler gauges. Step one: Measure all your
clearances and write them down. Spin the engine and measure them
again. If any are different from your first measurement do it again
until you are sure you have the correct clearances written down.
Step two: Move engine to TDC with the notches on the cams pointing
straight up, then remove the cams. Step three: remove the tappet
and measure the adjusting pad of those valves that weren’t in spec.
and substitute the correct sized pad. Example: If your clearance is
supposed to be .006’’ and it measures .004’’ you know the pad for
that valve needs to be .002’’ thinner. So, if it had a .103’’ pad in
it, you need to replace it with a .101’’ pad. Step four: After all
adjustments have been made replace the cams making sure the engine
has not been rotated and the notches are pointing straight up. This
can be a little tricky, and unless you have a vernier caliper
you’ll need the cam setting tool because the notches must be
exactly 90deg to the surface the cam covers seat on. Step five:
After everything is put back together, spin the engine several
times (the plugs should still be out) and measure the clearances
again. If you still have some valves out of spec. welcome to the
club, and go back to step two. Few people have been successful on
the first go around, so don’t feel bad if you have to do it a
couple of times. You will find it gets easier.
Joel–
The original message included these comments:

Hi everybody,
Is there a publication, website or write-up of the procedure to check and
adjust valves while engine is in the car (assembled)? Info appreciated.
Jerry Oliver
Olympia, WA

–
ex jag, '66 E-type S1 4.2, '56 XK140dhc
Denison, TX, United States
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
–Support Jag-lovers - Donate at http://www.jag-lovers.org/donate04.php –

3

Hi Jerry, I will send you the procedure that I use on my XK150. I also
developed an Excel spreadsheet that does all the addition/subtraction for
you.

Pat H.-----Original Message-----
From: owner-xk@jag-lovers.org [mailto:owner-xk@jag-lovers.org] On Behalf Of
JerrysJaguar
Sent: Saturday, April 01, 2006 4:30 PM
To: Jag list
Subject: [xk] Valve adjustment

Hi everybody,
Is there a publication, website or write-up of the procedure to check and
adjust valves while engine is in the car (assembled)? Info appreciated.
Jerry Oliver
Olympia, WA

4

Thanks to Pat and Joel for the informational replies. Off to another
adventure in the garage!!!
Jerry Oliver
Olympia WA
S830079
S830318
S836996DN----- Original Message -----
From: “Pat Harmon” pat@patsjags.com
To: xk@jag-lovers.org
Sent: Sunday, April 02, 2006 5:14 AM
Subject: RE: [xk] Valve adjustment

Hi Jerry, I will send you the procedure that I use on my XK150. I also
developed an Excel spreadsheet that does all the addition/subtraction for
you.

Pat H.

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-xk@jag-lovers.org [mailto:owner-xk@jag-lovers.org] On Behalf
Of
JerrysJaguar
Sent: Saturday, April 01, 2006 4:30 PM
To: Jag list
Subject: [xk] Valve adjustment

Hi everybody,
Is there a publication, website or write-up of the procedure to check and
adjust valves while engine is in the car (assembled)? Info appreciated.
Jerry Oliver
Olympia, WA

5

Hi Pat,

If it is not too much trouble I would appreciate a copy of your procedure
and spreadsheet also.

Regards and thanks,

Col H.

1958 XK150S OTS-----Original Message-----
From: owner-xk@jag-lovers.org [mailto:owner-xk@jag-lovers.org] On Behalf Of
Pat Harmon
Sent: Sunday, 2 April 2006 8:14 PM
To: xk@jag-lovers.org
Subject: RE: [xk] Valve adjustment

Hi Jerry, I will send you the procedure that I use on my XK150. I also
developed an Excel spreadsheet that does all the addition/subtraction for
you.

Pat H.

6

Bob I do not know which car you had but London to a brick it was a GM
product, the Holdens and Chevs with hydraulic cam followers used them.
Regards Peter Hitchin

7

Admin owns the Jag Lovers site.
don’t be afraid to do a valve adjust yourself, the archives has step by step instructions…study a few days…start and consult instructions each and every step…it is mechanical, methodical, and will always need to be re-measured and re-adjusted at least once in the process, no matter how careful…it just will.
So…don’t drive on old tires, keep your points distributors, use brand oil with zddp already in it, use non detergent 30 wt engine oil in the gearbox, and use NOS correct bellows sleeve thermostats. Do not install a 5 speed.
Cheers !! Nick

1 Like
8

Good to see yer on-point!

:wink: