Valve adjustment questions.

So last week I adjusting the valves. (my first time with the engine in the car) #1 and #2 were just fine but, I was surprised how tight the exhaust valves on #3 and #4 had gotten. Is this normal?
I drove it around the block and it's running just fine but I did notice a lot more valve noise than before. I'm guessing this is just normal since they were too tight before.
Suggestion?
Should I worry about it?
or am I just being a little too picky?

Sometimes the lifters get sticky and they appear to be tight. You need to push down firmly on the push rod end of the rocker arm to make sure that the push rod and lifter is fully seated.

EngineerTEN wrote:Sometimes the lifters get sticky and they appear to be tight. You need to push down firmly on the push rod end of the rocker arm to make sure that the push rod and lifter is fully seated.

I'd double check it again tomorrow. It is possible that I loosened 'em up too much.

use an oil with zinc in it (i use valvoline racing oil). i was having to constantly adjust my valves, then i tried the racing oil with zinc, and haven't had to adjust them in 3 years.

Valves getting tight could also be a sign of the valve seats sinking. if this is the problem, then they will keep getting tight on you.

also make sure the motor isn't overheating. that can cause the valves to tighten up as well.

good luck

i use vr1 oil also

i have only adjusted mine once in the year ive had it and idk when the last time before that was

Thank everybody for the tips.

They'll get out of wack from time to time. That's why you need to adjust them regularly. I adjust mine @ every oil change and there is always one or two off. It's pretty normal.

Not sure exactly what I did wrong but they were way off. Jason, you were probably right about not having them seated firmly against the push rods. It's running a lot quieter now. I look for oil with zinc in it for the next oil change.
Thanks again everybody.

you don't necesarrily need an oil with zinc in it you can add an oil additive in with your oil when you change it. most parts stores are carrying these additives now.

true. they are pretty pricey tho. at advanve auto its $13 for a bottle of break in additive with zinc. tho it would be nice to use some synthetic again

I've never used anything other than Castrol 20-50 with good results. 150K on various engines and none have grenaded on me yet.

bumblebuggy wrote:I've never used anything other than Castrol 20-50 with good results. 150K on various engines and none have grenaded on me yet.

That's what I have in it now.

Good choice...mostly the 20-50 part. I started using it because it's the prefered viscosity oil used in aircraft which (like VWs) are aircooled, horizontally opposed, engines.

bumblebuggy wrote:I've never used anything other than Castrol 20-50 with good results. 150K on various engines and none have grenaded on me yet.

x2!
30K miles on ASBug (RIP) and no grenading, was at 112K when sold on engine (ORIG. ENGINE).
KC