Hi everyone, can anyone help.

I want to know the sequence of operations when adjusting the valve clearances. Is it called rule of eight or rule of nines(just curious). After the valves are done and the spark plugs/ points are adjusted for the right gaps, do i have to do the timing or is it optional. I am using 97 octane fuel. Also how do i get rid of the carbon build up in my engine in the most simplest and efficient manner without resorting to expensive cylinderhead rebore/grind.

Raj

Some people advocate getting rid of carbon build up by dripping small amounts of water into the carburetor throat(s). I've never done it myself, so I can't vouch for it. If you search the Archives here, you'll probably find something on the subject, or maybe some kind soul with more knowledge of the subject will jump in.
Bob S.

It is ALWAYS good to check dwell (unless you have electronic ignition) and
even more important to check timing. Retarded timing reduces power and makes
the engine (and especially the exhaust manifold and pipe) run hot. I run
about 20° advance at idle with everything connected. It goes up to about
37° fully advanced, maybe 2500 rpm or so.
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George Downs Bartlesville, Heart of the USA!

I use the 'rule of nines' method. But there is a 40-50 post thread in the 140 forum regarding this. One that largely absolves the 'rule of nines' of any malfeasance.

With the valve cover off, there are 8 valves, numbering 1 - 8 front to back (well, end to end really, I don't think it matters which direction you go in). What I do is pull the coil wire off so the motor won't start, and then bump the motor around with the starter (because I dislike scraping my knuckles on the radiator trying to turn the engine with the fan) until #1 goes down. Then I set #8. (1 + 8 = 9, thus the name of the method). Then I bump the motor around with the starter until #2 goes down, and set #7. And so on, sequentially down the line until #8 is down, and I set #1.

This involves turning the motor over a few extra times, but I find that using the starter motor makes that no extra effort, and doing them sequentially (1 through 8) makes it far easier to avoid skipping anything. Not counting getting the tools out, takes me 15 minutes.

Setting the valves doesn't affect the timing at all, nor does fidgeting with the plugs. But adjusting the points gap certainly does. Actually, those points are always gradually changing their timing, that little wood(like) block that rides on the 4-sided cam wears slowly, gradually retarding the timing over thousands of miles. But definately, retime it after adjusting the gap.

As for carbon buildup, two things:
1) Ensure that the carbs aren't running too rich.
2) Give if a full throttle romp up to the redline occasionally. I know the Volvo is a tractor motor, but it too can enjoy the benefits of an occasional Italian tuneup.
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I'm JohnMc, and I approved this message.

I use a 13/16" box wrench or a spark plug socket to turn the crank.
I am a terrible shot with the starter! (Maybe my starter is too fast....)
I also get to do my squatting/stooping/standing up exercises that way,
since it is easier from below. As you know, I can use such exercises.
--
George Downs Bartlesville, Heart of the USA!

I have had the problem with bloody knuckles and now use your suggestion from over a year ago to put the car in fourth gear and push it. I back it up about five feet at a time in neutral, put it in gear and push forward until the valve I am ready to adjust is in the right position. It works like a champ.

I am curious as to how you know from below when the valve you are ready to adjust is in the right position? Or is this why you get so much exercise :)

Dennis C

Up till now my sequence of operations was to turn it to where one valve was
wide open and set all the ones that appeared to be closed (by having some
clearance). Then I would turn it 180° and set all that appeared to be closed,
in the process rechecking some I had already set, sometimes adjusting them.
I would continue this until all had exactly the right clearance. Usually it
would take 5 or 6 180° steps until all came repeatedly to the right clearance.
This is probably not quite as accurate as some of the other guys use but it
has seemed to work OK for me. Sometimes I do it by pushing the car in 4th.
BTW you can push it backward AND forward so you don't have to push it so far.
--
George Downs Bartlesville, Heart of the USA!