Dino Valve Adjustment | FerrariChat

Dino Valve Adjustment

Discussion in '206/246' started by Ducati348, Feb 21, 2022.

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  1. Ducati348

    Ducati348 Karting

    May 15, 2009
    80
    Dallas, Texas
    Full Name:
    Alex Scroppo
    I’m doing some maintenance to my 1972 246 while I have the carburetors and manifold out. I plan on checking the valve clearances while the engine is accessible. I ordered the tools from Hill Engineering as well as the valve cover gasket set. Looking at the valve covers, it appears all of the end plates need to come off as well as the distributor. Is that correct?

    Bolted to the front bank is the helper spring mechanism which has been a royal pain to engage from my past experience. Does some have a good process on the best way to remove both banks of valve covers?
     
  2. racerboy9

    racerboy9 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 3, 2003
    2,642
    Yes, end plates and distributor come off. As long as you are in there, I would check the chain adjusters to make sure the chain has proper tension. I believe the procedure is in the work shop manual available here: https://www.dinospider.com/manuals.html. Just to wet your appetite for the job ahead:
     
  3. racerboy9

    racerboy9 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 3, 2003
    2,642
    On second thought, I don't think you have to remove the distributor but be careful not to tear the gasket. If the distributor hasn't been checked and lubed, now would be a good time to go whole hog and service it. It is often neglected.
     
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  4. 1monza

    1monza Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jan 11, 2005
    321
    Manhattan Beach, CA
    Full Name:
    Norbert Hofer
    Wait until you have to remove the A/C compressor to change its end cover gasket. The fun never ends on the Dinos.
     
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  5. daviekj

    daviekj Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    May 9, 2008
    486
    UK
    All end plates should really be removed to ensure a new gasket can re-seal.
    Personally I find it easier to remove the carburettors with inlet manifold to give clear access to rear cylinder head. It fairly straight forward to do.
    Remove engine lid for good access too.
    Kevin.

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  6. daviekj

    daviekj Formula Junior
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    May 9, 2008
    486
    UK
    Distributor does not need to come off.
     
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  7. TonyL

    TonyL F1 Rookie

    Sep 27, 2007
    4,202
    Norfolk - UK
    Full Name:
    Tony
    All as above but remove top bolt from distributor leaving others tight, slide a thin feeler gauge or similar between distributor gasket and cam cover before removing, this will break any sealant. If the gasket breaks then you will need to remove distributor and housing. You will then need to remove large cam bolt as well so avoid if possible. Replace seal if there is oil in the housing.

    As daviekj 2nd photo, rotate shim with notch in a place thats easily got at........ BEFORE inserting tool. Once compressed you cannot move the shim around so easily
    Tony
     
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  8. Ducati348

    Ducati348 Karting

    May 15, 2009
    80
    Dallas, Texas
    Full Name:
    Alex Scroppo
    Thanks all! Since I need to remove and replace the helper spring, does anyone know of a good method to reinstall the helper spring that does not involve superhuman strength?
     
  9. daviekj

    daviekj Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    May 9, 2008
    486
    UK
    Please can you clarify what you mean by helper spring…
    I have various photos of engine work that may help you, but not quite sure what you mean…
     
  10. Ducati348

    Ducati348 Karting

    May 15, 2009
    80
    Dallas, Texas
    Full Name:
    Alex Scroppo
  11. daviekj

    daviekj Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    May 9, 2008
    486
    UK
    Ah, clutch assist spring. It’s a tricky one but doable. I used a stout wooden stick (approx 2ft long) with notch in and pushed down on it to release. Same in reverse. Not sure I have a photo of this in action, but will take a look.
     
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  12. Sergio Tavares

    Sergio Tavares Formula 3

    Nov 15, 2018
    1,304
    Full Name:
    Sergio Tavares
    how to replace exhaust cam end gasket?
    This AC mounting plate has 2 big bolts to remove to access the cam end gasket, do they tension the cam chains and removing ruins all setup corect no?




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  13. 1monza

    1monza Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jan 11, 2005
    321
    Manhattan Beach, CA
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    Norbert Hofer
    Don't forget to change the rubber o-ring on the distributor drive bolt and oil seal.
     
  14. 1monza

    1monza Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jan 11, 2005
    321
    Manhattan Beach, CA
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    Norbert Hofer
    Change the gasket on the mating surface between A/C bracket and 4-6 cylinder head. have to remove A/C compressor to access plate.
     
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  15. Sergio Tavares

    Sergio Tavares Formula 3

    Nov 15, 2018
    1,304
    Full Name:
    Sergio Tavares
    Do these two big bolts affect valve timing or are they only bracket mounteds?


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  16. 1monza

    1monza Formula Junior
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    Jan 11, 2005
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    Manhattan Beach, CA
    Full Name:
    Norbert Hofer
    These bolts just mount the A/C intermediate bracket to the cylinder head.
     

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