Anyone have a valve spring tool for rent/borrow/sale? I don't really want to buy one but may if necessary. I have not found any for sale anywhere, they're obsolete apparently.

To throw a bit more info in here to add to the good stuff already posted:

After rotating the engine (or just the cam if the belt is removed) and recording all clearances, you can see if adjustment is needed.

The specs for checking when cold, call for .012-.016inches both intake and exhaust. If actually adjusting, the specs are .014-.016.

I removed the camshaft without the special holding tool by very gradually and evenly unbolting the bearing caps. I have a cheap micrometer and was able to measure and record the shim thicknesses. A bit of math and it became apparent that by swapping a few shims around, I only needed to purchase three new ones to bring all 8 into spec.

This would have been a good time to install new hushers, but pressed for time, I omitted this, and am now kicking myself, as the engine is a bit noisy.

Oh, well...got a small leak at the cam oil seal, so that will present an opportunity to add husher replacement to that job.

Have you already checked the valve lash and know that an adjustment is necessary? What did you find?

Valve adjustments are not often needed on the Volvo red blocks but if you determine that it is necessary I find the easiest way is to remove the cam. This is just a bit more work if you are in the process of changing the timing belt. Perhaps you could do it all at the same time.

Randy

Well, the valves seem to tick and two experienced mechs said they thought it sounded like a valve adj. was a good idea.

Hmm, interesting idea about the cam. I am not sure how old the belt is, I'll look into it, but I seem to recall it was recent when I bought the car. If I determine it's not then I may do it that way.
Thanks!

Valve adjustment is not determined by sound as I am sure you must know- the mechanics are guessing and hoping for a run at your wallet.

On a cold engine simply remove the sparkplugs and cam cover. Rotate the crank by hand and as each valve reaches the fully closed position (opposite the high side of the cam lobe) measure the lash (gap) using a set of feelers gauges. Look for a snug fit of the gauges between the shim and the lobe. Record these measurements and check against the specs. If you need specs post back and I will check Bentley for you.

The most common cause of valve "ticking" is the hushers that reside under the cam follower. If you remove the cam to adjust valves all you need to do is pick up the cam follower (it is what is holding the adjustment shim) and under it will be the hushers. Simply swap them out for new ones. New hushers make it diffucult to accurately measure lash so do the measuring and shim swapping first. More information in the FAQ's:

http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700
900/EngineMechanical.htm#ValveStemTipRubberSeals

Good luck,
Randy

Hi Randy. I just did front seals and a new Belt so I have a while yet. But I am getting a slight tick and was going to give the Hushers a shot next Belt change.
I'm a bit lost .. I have never had to fool with an Overhead Cam and shims so this is new to me. Bentley book , page 214-6 shows "Rubber Seals" and I assume they are the Hushers. question is.. It appears I have to take off the Valve Spring Keepers to get to them... yes/no?
If that's the case, I need to pressurize the Cylinder. There are no good illustrations that show where these actually sit.
I looked at the FAQs but am missing just where these Hushers sit.


--
'75 Jeep CJ5 345Hp ChevyPwrd, two motorcycles, '85 Pickup: The '89 Volvo is the newest vehicle I own. it wasn't Volvos safety , it was Longevity that sold me http://home.no.net/ebrox/Tony's%20cars.htm

"It appears I have to take off the Valve Spring Keepers to get to them... yes/no?" No, Tony--it's not involved at all. The hushers are soft and slip right over the end of the valver stem--funnel shape up. Just be sure bits of the old husher (they get rock hard) are removed. Compressed air blown around the valve spring should eject what's left of them on the bottom of the recesses--wear eye protection. -- Dave

Oh OK, I couldn't see that from the pictures I was looking at. There is enough Valve Stem sticking up for these to drop over them . I get it.
At 300K and 20 years the engine is a bit Ticky..My guess is these hushers have met their expiration date.

Thanks
--
'75 Jeep CJ5 345Hp ChevyPwrd, two motorcycles, '85 Pickup: The '89 Volvo is the newest vehicle I own. it wasn't Volvos safety , it was Longevity that sold me http://home.no.net/ebrox/Tony's%20cars.htm

Thanks, I'm um, 'experienced' with valve adj. but not on any of my Volvos. I do think it needs it, but will check first. Good tip on the hushers.

General info, it turns out that IPD rents a kit that includes the tool and a box of shims. Basically you buy the kit for $250, and return it for a refund of $210, or keep it if you want.