Fiat 124 Sport Spider Valve Adjustment Tools

[@defconpilot3793]

I really appreciate this, just did a valve adjustment on my '78! One thing I did differently was I used a homemade magnetic pickup tool to remove the shim, I had some very strong neodymium magnets and 3d printed a long holder for one, it had no trouble retrieving the heavy shim. Word of caution for people watching: be very careful with the chain wrench, if the tool slips while you're trying really hard to turn the crankshaft, there's not a lot of space and lots of rusty metal down there so you might end up needing stitches and a tetanus shot like me.

[@FlashDriveFilms]

Thanks! Part of why I do these is just for that reason: to make it easier than it was for me at first. And the Fiat Spider is a great car to learn on, they really reward the effort put in on them. Alden

[@BobsTank]

GREAT VIDEO. Too bad KZbin wasn't around, 30 years ago, when I had to teach myself how to do this on my '72 Spider.

[@hayabusa4uall]

You are a good man Charlie Brown

[@hamletundone]

a 1 1/2" socket also works on the crank pulley bolt also

[@FlashDriveFilms]

hamletundone Good to know. Metric or inch, either one is a pretty large socket with clearance problems unless the radiator is out. I was super-lucky to have a double pulley on mine and to be able to use the chain wrench.Whatever method used, just don't turn the motor backwards and put slack int eh timing belt tensioner. Alden

[@robbyrhaynes]

I just ran across this video. Very helpful, thanks. One thing though, that tool you found in an old X1/9 is $140. Is there alternative way to do it?

[@FlashDriveFilms]

+Rob Haynes Hi! Well I had no idea the tools had become so expensive! The black-handled prying tool can be replaced by a wide-bladed, flat-blade screwdriver *IF* you are very careful and do not lever or pry so hard as to scrape, scratch or deform the shim or cam lobe. I really don't know of an alternative to the two-fingered tool that straddles the shim and holds the tappet down. I see that a company called Vick's Autosports, has the tappet hold-down tool for around $40. www.vickauto.com/newstore/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=5_6_41&sort=20a&page=2 (NOT an endorsement , recommendation etc, as I have not used one of their tools. Just an indication of what is out there.) And always with the valve adjustment: take your time. This is a job that rushing it, ruins it. Alden

[@6B8RX]

I am trying to set the valves in my '81. When I've done this before, I borrowed tools and shims from a friend of mine who was a Fiat mechanic, but he has since passed away. He gave me one of the things that holds the tappet down while you remove or insert the shim, but I need the other tool-- the one with the spherical knob on the end-- that you use to compress the spring before inserting the holder thing. None of the Fiat parts places seem to have those. Can you tell me where you got yours?

[@FlashDriveFilms]

Hi! I got mine back in the 1980s form a company called Bayless out of Atlanta. I think they have chanegd hands several times since then. The other tool I was lucky enough that it was included in an X1/9 I had bought way back then.A lot of these tools are out of production, so maybe ebay or a car swap meet or flea market is the best bet. ALden

[@daviddecker4186]

@@FlashDriveFilms Just one time. Matt Brannon of Midwest X1/9 bought out Art Bayless's remaining inventory from Georgia and merged with his existing business to form Midwest Bayless in Ohio. IAP retired and sold their Alfa Inventory to Centerline in Colorado and remaining Fiat 124 inventory to Csaba and Ramzi who started out on their own as Auto Ricambi after working for Robert Vick in Texas. Robert also retired and sold to a new family who now run Vick's but Chris Obert is still around and selling part in Santa Cruz. Any of these guys may have the tool you need.

[@mrboostification]

where can i find the tools

[@FlashDriveFilms]

Hi! I got my adjustment tools so many years ago that most of the companies are out of business. (Bayless, International Auto Parts) I do see some tools listed online at certain places, but for breathtakingly distorted prices ($220 for the tappet hold down tool? !!! Seriously?) The only thing I can suggest is checking eBay and car swap meets/flea markets maybe. Or maybe someone selling parts cars, the black-handled tool I have came from an X1/9 I bought in the 1980s. Sorry I don't have a source for these. Alden

[@mrboostification]

@@FlashDriveFilms thnx for the reply friend, thats insanely expensive indeed. i can buy a complete long block for 200. i will just remove the cam and swap it without the tools then.

[@FlashDriveFilms]

My thoughts exactly. When I originally bought my tools back in the 80s, they were like $20 each. And there were several vendors. Now , because these cars are older and more rare and "collectible", I have noticed a lot of profiteering for specialty items. Even the valve shims themselves are climbing in price. Best of luck with your Fiat project! Alden

[@daviddecker4186]

@@mrboostification False economy my friend. Whenever you swap the cams, you need to adjust the valves. It is also part or regular maintenance. Failure to do so can result in improper wear to your cams, valves or even failure of your engine in extreme cases.