VALVE ADJUSTMENT TOOL FOR THE 2L

[RRoller123]

So I finished adjusting the valves today on my 80FI 2L, and have a few comments and suggestions for the forum. You may run into the same problem I did with the commonly used valve hold down tool. Here is the tool:



I found that it fits and works very well in every position EXCEPT #4 Exhaust, where it interferes with the cam box casting beside the distributor drive gear. I couldn't get it installed in 4E without modification.

Here's how it fits in #3I, with no problem at all.



But it doesn't fit into #4E (at least not on my engine), without modification. My engine is stock, and the sand castings can vary, but only a little, so I would assume that this will be a common problem for those using the tool on #4E. It interferes in the circled area, and has trouble clearing the cam shaft itself.



By grinding it down a little in the areas shown below, it fit and worked well:



It was necessary to take a little off the tip, in order for it to clear the cam itself at #4E.



And I needed also to make a fairly strong bevel along pretty much the entire bottom edge, to clear the wall of the cam box sand casting. There is still enough meat on the tool arm to hold down the tappet, after making the bevel.



Hope this helps anybody else who encounters this issue. Back together now and running well!

[Ramzi]

As the guy who sent the tool out... I have to say great write up. This sort of info is what makes this forum so useful!

Ramzi

[RRoller123]

Thanks, no problem, glad to help. I neglected to mention two cautions: Don't take so much off along the edge when creating the bevel that there isn't a sufficient flat area remaining to set on top of the tappet. The overall tool arm width in this area needs to match the opposite side to work correctly (i.e. sit flat), and there needs to be enough of a flat landing remaining on the bottom to seat well against the tappet top.

Also, I didn't have to take very much off the tip marked in the pic below, but make sure enough comes off so the tool installs smoothly. I took some off with the grinder, then the tool went in pretty easily, but with a little snap, and I had the devil of a time getting it out. Took more off until it dropped right in with no resistance, and no problem.

[rebar1111]

You are about 5 hrs too late to help me. I had a similar difficult time but managed. I agree that that trimming would have helped on my 1800 head.

[Wheel]

I ended up doing something very similar. The images show an altered tool next to an unaltered tool. The removed portions are highlighted with red marker. I seemed to remove more material than RRoller123.

[fiatmike124]

Thanks for posting this. I have been meaning to show the same modification to the tool. I recall only having to bevel one side and it was only the #4 exhaust valve that required it. Maybe AR would consider having the tool modified in the future?

[azruss]

So, I installed one of marks solid state dizzys, so no longer use that port. I'm thinking of grinding away the casting on that edge to make room for the tool. I beveled my homemade valve tool and it still wasnt enough.

[KidDingo]

I ran into a similar problem a couple of weeks ago. I contemplated grinding the tool, but was worried about damaging it and rendering it useless.

Instead, I simply removed the cam box bolt in the corner nearest No. 4 valve and reversed the tool so it faced towards the exhaust manifold, rather than facing the intake plenum.

I used locking pliers to hold the tool against the top lip of the cam box as I turned the engine.

Less than ideal, but it worked.

[RRoller123]

Looks like this is a common issue! Lots of good solutions.

[rebar1111]

How can anyone afford two tools?

[pooldoctorstl]

Don't modify anything. Take the bolt out of the cam box next to the valve and put the tool in backwards. Works fine. I just did my 2L and had no problem.

[Ramzi]

Im not sure that we will be able to effect the production of the less expensive chrome tool as we do not manufacture it. We will of course certainly pass the information up stream.

We have sold more than 50 of the chrome tools in the past 16 months and 2 of the OEM Fiat tools (since we started carrying them a couple months ago). To date we've had 2 reported difficulties using the chrome tool on #4. So Im not entirely certain that there may be a cam box casting issue involved as well.

We are currently out of stock on all the tools (both OE Fiat and Aftermarket chome)... but both are en route. Once they arrive, I'll compare them to an NOS Factory tool I have from back in the day. Will report back then.

R