How to Adjust the Valves on My Triumph Spitfire
- 1). Apply the parking brake, shift the car into neutral and chock the wheels.
- 2). Remove the spark plugs, valve cover and valve cover gasket.
- 3). Number the rocker arms and valves from #1 to #8, starting at the front of the engine.
- 4). Rotate the engine with a 1 13/16-inch socket and 3/4-inch breaker bar until the #1 valve is fully open and just starting to close. Adjust the #8 valve to .010 clearance with a 1/2-inch wrench and screwdriver.
- 5). Rotate the engine with the 1 13/16-inch socket and 3/4-inch breaker bar until the #2 valve is fully open and just starting to close. Adjust the #7 valve to .010 clearance.
- 6). Adjust the valves from front to rear using the "rule of nines." The "rule of nines" is: 9 - (# of the valve fully compressed) = the # of the valve to adjust. For example, when valve #3 is in position, it is time to adjust valve #6 (9 - 3 = 6).
- 7). Repeat Step 6 until all valves have been adjusted. Replace the spark plugs, valve cover and valve cover gasket.