How do you set tappets on 1972 beetle?

Answer 1

The night before you do this, put the car where you're going to work on it. The engine has to be absolutely cold.

You need:

Flat-tip screwdriver

13mm box-end wrench

(There is a VW valve adjusting tool that combines these two tools, but it's expensive and the screwdriver & wrench combo work great.)

.006" and .008" feeler gauges.

Set of valve cover gaskets, rags, glue

Tools to time the engine, because timing is dependent on valve clearance

30mm socket and ratchet

You do:

1) Inspect the area around the valve covers for oil leaks. If you find any, you need to replace the gasket.

2) Remove both valve covers and the distributor cap. Set the engine to top dead center on cylinder 1.

3) Crawl under and look at cylinder 1. You'll see the rocker arms. At the top of each is the adjuster with a jam nut around it. At the bottom of each is a place that looks like your thumb will fit right on it, which it will.

4) Time to adjust! Stick the screwdriver through the box end of the wrench, put the tip of the screwdriver in the slot on the valve adjuster and loosen the jam nut. Then back the adjuster off about a half turn. Put the .006 feeler gauge between the adjuster and the valve and...this is where it gets a bit delicate. You want the valve adjuster just loose enough that the feeler gauge will slip with just a little effort, but not loose enough the .008 gauge will go in. Once it's there, tighten the jam nut while holding the adjuster still with the screwdriver, then try removing the gauge and putting it back in. If it goes, try putting the .008 gauge in. If the .006 goes in and the .008 doesn't, adjust the other valve on this cylinder.

5) Crawl out and rotate the engine counterclockwise 180 degrees. Adjust valves on number 2 cylinder. Then rotate the engine counterclockwise 180 degrees and do number 3, then turn it 180 counterclockwise and do number 4.

6) Put the valve covers back on and time the engine.