ronin_of_life

(Hopefully this is the right section)
yepps, I want to learn how to adjust the engine valves in my '91 Integra RS- I can always read up instructions online and get a feeler gauge from Canadian tire, but I really don't want to do work on the engine myself before learning the procedure... Hopefully someone near Scarborough can teach me how to adjust the valves (you'll have to come over to my place, as the engine needs to be cold in order to do the adjustments- I also have the specs). I also want to learn how to install spark plugs (indexing is a bonus) Email me at ronin_of_life@hotmail.com or PM me with a price and we'll negotiate.

AcuratePaul

iTrader: (8)

Dude spark plugs are by far the easiest thing to change. Just grab a socket that says spark plug get an extension. Then remove then spark plug wires put the socket into the holes and unscrew very very simple.

Spike

iTrader: (5)

Here's how you do it. The intake valves should be at .006" gap, and the exhaust valve should be at .007" gap

ronin_of_life

yea, I know that (helms manual)- but I guess I'm just scared- I never did engine work myself (even the simple spark plug change- I even have a slight idea on how to use the indexing washers- the spark plugs must all face the direction of the combustion chamber, right?), and I really don't want to do anything wrong- after all, there's no going back and fixing mistakes- if you confuse one minor thing, you might soon be in the market for a new engine... so it would be nice if someone who knows what they're doing could show me the ropes (iunno- i'm on the gemini cancer cusp- I really want to do all these crazy things, but I want to take the most fail-safe approach in doing said things...)

Spike

iTrader: (5)

No the spark plugs dont matter what way they face, just take them out, and put the new ones in, plain and simple. As for the valves, you wont really do any damage if you make them to tight, you the engine just will not run like it should, and you will know as soon as you start it up. But what i have done on all my non-vtec b18's, i've just loosen the nut and only gone a 1/8 of a turn done on the adjustment, and then just tighten it back up, and i have not had any problems doing it that way on them, and i'm going to be doing it again on my integra as well. The Vtec engines you have to be more precise with.

ronin_of_life

Here is an article on indexing spark plugs:
Indexing Spark Plugs | Advance Auto Parts

The benefits of indexing are minimal to say the least, yet for a 30,000 km replacement, it makes sense to spend a bit more time in installing the spark plugs in the best manner possible.

True, an engine that doesn't sound right when started would signal that something is wrong, yet starting the engine with misaligned valves would lead to minor damage repairable only by a machining shop... I want to do this right the first time...
I've considered sending my engine in, but I won't be learning anything, and there is more to a car than just driving it...

Thanks for the well written instructions though- if I wasn't that much of a wuss, I'd just print out this thread and do everything right now!

AcuratePaul

iTrader: (8)

I understand your afraid of screwing something up but as for the sparkplugs you can do that yourself and as for the index it won't make that much of a difference you will have replace them sooner or later. Some people I know did 200k on a set of spark plugs. Trust me I have replaced my first set of sparkplugs when i was like 10. Trust me you can do that part yourself.

irsdb7

complete guide here with pictures Valve lash adjustment - Team Integra

spike where are those instructions from? Mitchell OnDemand??

ronin_of_life

yea, I will try installing the sparks myself...

and as for the valve adjustment, I was cleaning my basement today, and lo and behold I find an old school wire feeler gauge that apparently belonged to my dad... the last person whom I'd ever ask for car advice (he was an avid car buff back then and spent so much time tinkering with his '83 Renault Alliance (the thing couldn't even run on reverse) he said he wasted a lot of time and he doesn't want me walkin' the same path...) but what's one valve lashing's gonna do...? :P *calls up Standard Auto Wreckers for teg parts*