The Only Video You'll Ever Need to Know how 4 Stroke Engine Valving & Timing Works

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Hi guys I just wanted to Introduce to you my other Channel "Kirkman's Academy" - which i'm just getting started. It's a go-to channel for simple explanations for hard to grasp subjects such as physics, maths and chemistry etc. Here is the link: www.youtube.com/@kirkmansacademy/videos . Thank you so much for looking, and if these topics interest you then I hope to see you the there. Many thanks indeed. Craig 😊👍

[@oldtownscouts3712]

I just understood something I haven't understood for like 29 years. Awesome video

[@Brettarn]

This was the most comprehensive explanation of how valve clearance works. Much appreciated the effort put in to explain for a newbie like myself. Instant subscriber

[@michaelm2725]

Great explanation and the cut-away motor makes it so much easier for visual learners to see what's happening, when and why. Very well done.

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

I really appreciate your kind feedback. Craig 👍👍👍

[@williamejakita1357]

I am an Electrical Technologist, and this video has been very helpful in understanding engines. THANKS!

[@ayeleraberra4338]

This the first time I have learnt how an engine works clearly. Thanks for clearing my confusion. Explained professionally.

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much for your very kind and motivating feedback. I really appreciate it. Craig 👍👍👍

[@HankRearden84]

Mate, many thanks. Timing has always been intimidating for me. This definitely helps alleviate that fear a bit.

[@sajmirbekteshi9113]

You are the only one I have understood now. I thank God that I managed to watch this video. I wish you all the best, God bless you.

[@abhishektalajiya1269]

Just want to say that as your video title states- this is the only video I'll ever need to learn 4 stroke tappet clearance. 100% TRUE!!!!! After watching this video all my doubts and queries are cleared and the explaination with this model , amazing work man. Just AMAZING!!!!! I do hope you make such videos in future as well. And i request everyone to just watch this 11 min video with patience and all your queries will go away. Thank you again for making such simple video explaination.

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Wow. Thank you so much. I really appreciate your kind and very encouraging comment. Craig 👍👍👍

[@Mike-zb7ts]

I bookmarked this video. Emailed it to myself. Texted it to myself. Sent it to my wife's email just in case I manage to lose it. This is gold. Thank you for this OUTSTANDING tutorial.

[@mirnaw1]

I watched it as a marine engineer cadet and helped a lot to understand the principle even tho there are some differences. Thank you!

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much 👍👍

[@davidmills5557]

I cant Thank You enough for taking the time to make this video!! I can say that shamefully after roughly 5 hours of my life that I'll never get back trying to adjust the valve clearance on my 2005 Honda Recon ATV, God led me to your video!! What an ABSOLUTE answer to Prayer!! I just could not grasp the understanding of TDC on the "compression" stroke!! I was at my wits end..... I adjusted the valves I dont know how many times, but on the wrong stroke. With the help of your video, I was able to adjust the valves with NO Issues!! Thank you again SO VERY MUCH for the clear and conscise explanation, and the engine prop you used REALLY brought it home!!! Definitely downloading and bookmarking this video :) May The Lord Bless you and your family Brother 🙏

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much. Bless you to 👍👍👍

[@benthicmarine112]

Probably the only gold star explanation of valve clearances on KZbin. Thank you for this content, liked and subscribed👌

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you for kind and motivating feedback. I really appreciate it. Craig 👍👍👍

[@1StopMotorClub]

There aren't many folks like you mate, just aren't. This is a class A rating masterpiece. I won't say much let me enjoy your thread of videos. Hishia, Africa - Zimbabwe.

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Wow. Thank you for the awesome feedback. I really appreciate it. Craig 👍👍👍

[@uph2011]

You're the engine's boss! The best explanations ever about small engines. Greetings from Colombia.

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you very much! I really appreciate it. Craig 👍👍👍

[@BoostedFA]

I had a good general idea of how the valve terrain operates, but after watching your video It's clear to me. Great video and very educational. Thanks, mate.

[@lightship-uk]

Clearly explained, easily understood, concise & accurate. A well presented tutorial.

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much

[@i.fishtank]

Great job my friend. I have a 22 year old Peugeot 206 1.4i which has had a persistent misfire (P0200 and P0300) for several months (I have not driven it), I have replaced the sparks, the fuel injectors, the coil pack, the knock sensor, the camshaft sensor, done compression tests, tested the continuity and voltages across the ignition circuit, I have just replace the timing and drive belts (they were old anyway) and all that I have left is the valve clearances...I do get an occasional 'ping' during a misfire so I'm pretty confident it's the valves after watching this video....

[@i.fishtank]

I should add the P0200 was fixed by replacing the knock sensor...... it had cracked wide open.... was the original 2001 sensor.

[@100vg]

What a great detailed explanation of what too loose and too tight valve gap adjustments do! I knew they needed to both be correct, but now I know why and the consequences. For your adjustment procedure, I know this was just for explanation, but you didn't mention loosening the adjustment locking screws before adjustment, tightening them after and double checking that the adjustment did not alter from tightening them enough to make a difference. Potentially, anyone who sees this for the first time could do it wrong and have an issue shortly after. You know I love your work, but I just wanted to point that out, as I'm sure others have as well. I hope you don't get bombarded too badly over it. Mine is meant as a friendly comment. Thanks for the detailed explanation, Mr. Craig. Always so informative, detailed and the arrows really help.

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much. I always appreciate your kind feedback. Craig 👍👍

[@SailingBritaly]

This is a superb video. I've not seen such good - concise, yet thorough - training since I was learning to be an aircraft technician in the Royal Air Force. Thank you very much, God bless, and let's hope the algorithm pushes this out to many more people. Chris 👍

[@RandyPate-t1d]

Your video is very helpful for a novice and very much appreciated.

[@ahmadruizhakeem3482]

Underrated channel. Great explanation for a newie home mechanic to watch, learn, and understand! Thanks, Craig!

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Awesome! Thank you! Craig

[@vernonbosshard9317]

If the exhaust is too loose it will be difficult to start, the comp release won't hold the valve open enough. The compression release is a small tab on the camshaft that holds the ex valve open just a small bit to allow easy starting, when the RPMs reach a certain speed the tab slings out of the way and allows the engine to operate normally, so if the gap is too much the tab will only take up the gap and not hold the valve open.

[@redbaron9029]

Precisely explained.

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much! Craig 👍

[@toshibahomeschool5704]

Probably the best ever vid on valves?

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Wow. Thanks so much for that awesome comment. Craig

[@danilo86petrovic]

Really detailed explenation... You forgot to say that there is a mark for top dead center on almost every engine...

[@Monotaurino]

This is an amazing video. I'm very visual and learning how it all works together while trying to adjust my Ural valves is priceless. Thank you for explaining it so eloquently, easy to understand. Cheers!

[@brianwood5220]

That was one of the best explanations I've ever heard. Brilliant. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Wow, thanks!

[@oliverklozhoff]

Great video, gf was asking questions that i couldn't explain very well. Your concise and thorough video (and that cutaway engine) made everything crystal clear. Thank u kindly sir! Instant sub!

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Awesome, thank you so much. Craig 👍👍👍

[@SymonRudy]

What a great teacher you're sir keep it up

[@jx2794]

This is a wonderful. So clear and concise. Very academic in presentation and explanation.

[@RamGaneshapillai-uq6ld]

Best one, I shall recommend to anyone need it. Thank you for the post. I would give you 100%

[@brownclorox]

Amazing video. So much good information. The engine cutout was extremely helpful to visualize what is going on. Bravo!

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much 👍👍👍👍👍

[@andrewfordpics]

Very well done video, now i understand how to set my lawn tractor valve clearance... Keep up the good video educational work !!!

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much for your kind feedback. I’m really pleased you can now set your value clearances. Craig

[@MwangoWilbroad]

You are a very good teacher. So insightful!❤

[@metheewatchakittikorn4796]

Great information. I'd like to see how you do valve job too.

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Great suggestion!

[@childofgod5115]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge! Great video I’m working on a dead 4 wheeler think it jumped time so I’ve been playing with the timing and was getting tdc but wasn’t sure it was on the compression stroke now I do thank you!

[@changaaleikum2954]

Great video, i finally understood how it works. thanks.

[@arthurfricchione8119]

Craig another outstanding video with an excellent overview of how the internal 4 stroke engine works. Great job👍Artie

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you Artie. I alway appreciate your kind feedback. Craig 👍👍

[@salmantalash4515]

you are a genius man i have a bike gs150 and it has 133000km on it my tapped sounds like tik tik and now i adjust tapped according to the theory you present and my bike engine is running smoothly and acceleration like boom on 2nd gear the wheely happens you are genius bro 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Wow/ thank you so much. I really appreciate it. Craig 👍

[@enforcementofficer4802]

Brilliant video , I finally now understand how it all works, thanks for posting 😊

[@sfarnam9]

Thank you for such a great explanation of adjusting valves! Well done!!

[@curtthedirt1969]

Very easy to follow!! Thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@carlosgomes6074]

Thank you, very clearly and well explained,love it.

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. Craig 👍👍

[@Goodellsam]

Excellent demonstration

[@MilesDaffin]

Excellent. And if the valve gaps are correct and there is still poor compression it means that you have other problems, such as damage to the valves as you describe. (Hope that's not so in my case, but I guess you may have another video covering that :) )

[@Taruup]

By far the best explanation I have seen. Thank you very much 😊

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much for your generous words! 😄 I'm absolutely delighted to hear that you found my explanation on 4-stroke valving to be the best you've come across. Your appreciation means a lot to me, and I'm here to provide more insights and explanations whenever you need them. Keep that curiosity alive, and I'm grateful for your support! Craig

[@neverclevernorwitty7821]

This was really brilliant, excellent job!

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you very much! I really appreciate it. Craig 👍👍

[@IfeanyiPeter-jl6dm]

Wow the title of this video is true thanks for making the video

[@bchrisl1491]

That was a very good instruction. I would like to add, because I got fooled once, that Briggs and Stratton Vanguard engines in the US call for an indicator stick, and they specify 1/4” lower after TDC on compression as the set point. I’m not sure why, but that’s their spec.

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Great tip!

[@bchrisl1491]

I use a multimeter with a “frequency” function to set idle speed. Put an antenna on the positive input terminal, place the antenna just close enough to the spark plug wire to get a reading, not too close. i.e: 1000 RPM= 16 2/3 RPS, or 17 hertz (rounded up). This assumes a lost spark system, whereas a distributor spark would be half that. Ok last Heloise Hint, don’t want to be a pest, but just to give back a token to repay all I have gleaned from watching your videos.

[@DethBy3ToeSloth]

Very thorough. Thank you!

[@langsor]

Excellent explanation. Thank you for the content.

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much 👍👍

[@monkeytheo]

Brilliant explanation. It cannot be made any better.

[@WillOldfield-tu3eg]

Awesome video. Great job explaining valve lash!

[@robertasjasas4851]

Hi! I've been following your channel for a few years now. I do small engine repair work in Lithuania. I'm learning from my father who is an experienced repair specialist. I rely on your videos for the theoretical part of the job as many situations I encounter seem like magic if explained with no theory and only by experience and observations. I couldn't wrap my head around the saying that valves 'burn out' if the clearances are too tight. I have observed it, but couldn't figure out the cause. The same goes for the problems explained in your ignition coil videos. Thank you! Have you got experience working on ridable mowers and their electrical components? I still struggle with troubleshooting that

[@SPACEMIKEB]

Hi Craig, best explanation I've seen!

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Wow. Thank you so much. Craig 👍👍

[@nickandrews29]

Great tuition Video, Keep up the good work

[@marcusscott9800]

Thank you so much for your crystal clear explanations, I have learned so much from your videos. Keep up the great work:)

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

You're very welcome! Thank you for your very kind feedback. Craig

[@shaggyda2758]

Great job! another great video for , all of us to view. I only wish I would have had those video's when I was 14-15 yrs & just getting into small engines, those video's & your information would have made A World of help for me. Keep them coming.

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you very much! I really appreciate your support. Craig 👍👍

[@tylersen3318]

Just the right amount of information and an outstanding format for learning 👍

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank so much. I really appreciate your kind feedback. Craig 👍👍👍

[@artderamo8053]

Great video!!! Now do I set the clearance on both valves on the compression stroke,? Thanks again!!!

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much I really appreciate it. Craig

[@joncorklin]

This is a great explanation.

[@davidruiz5383]

Thanks for your teaching. Had no idea how it works. Question: is having the piston to its highest position is what matters to start adjustment. Correct if wrong. Again thanks and Gob Bless.

[@SymonRudy]

You're the best teacher

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Wow, thank you so much. Craig

[@leeanncotrone8369]

Love this love to learn more about engines this was fun watching learning new thing I never knew about a car engine ❤🎉😊👍

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Awesome. Thank you for watching and for your kind feedback. Craig 👍👍👍

[@BobChanter]

Excellent video!!

[@187bootlegfm4]

thank u sir was waiting for this ,you made it so easy to learn

[@adnacraigo6590]

Fantastic explanation.

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you. I really appreciate it. Craig 👍

[@Deladavid2]

Thank you very much Master

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much 👍👍👍👍

[@normandboucher4930]

Wow thank you so much very interesting and educational 👍

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

You are very welcome Thank you

[@shredder60]

Just the video I wanted to see

[@FunNPlay.Gaming]

What I learn : More valve clearance is better than no valve clearings.

[@transmitterguy478]

Great video Craig. I have always wondered why they went to the overhead valves. These engines having more parts seem to have more problems. I have a Techumse flat head on my 1974 Sears Rototiller and I run it every year 5 or 6 times, drain the gas from the carb, and put it away. The flat head seems like a more reliable engine. If you would, compare the flat head to your model here and note the differences between engines. Thanks

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

First of all, thank you for your kind feedback. I really appreciate it. And yes, you have given me a very good idea for a near future vid. I do have a flat engine somewhere in my pile of engines. I will pick out one and do a vid on the comparison, just as you said. I do have a list of a few vids to get through first but I will get round to then. Thanks again. Craig 👍👍👍

[@cravenmoorehead5636]

I love my flatheads, FLATHEADS FOREVER. But the OHV engine is better in practically every way possibe. Yes it sucks to admit it but it is no contest. Unfortunalty

[@kevinvanderlei3271]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@Maurice-c6z]

Ive always tried to explain to people the value of proper clearance as valve timing, especially those owning trucks

[@mannysfood]

Mr good simple description

[@goutams4438]

It's very useful tips thank u

[@emekaenwerem861]

Great illustration👍

[@alpha1656]

Excellent video

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you very much!

[@mveno123]

Excellent explanation, very helpful. I just subscribed for more content. Thank you.

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Awesome, thank you do much. I really appreciate it. Craig

[@nedasbertasius2008]

purfect explained and showed

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much. Craig

[@nutlangsworld]

Great video and explanation; thank you very much. I tried to set the valves on my 250 (OHV motor) and there was no way I could loosen the valve adjusting locking nuts.. They just would not loosen... I was afraid I might strip them... The motor was on the F timing mark and both valves were closed, but even then I could not feel any "looseness" I`ve got no idea why? 😕

[@delynnaddams8774]

How can you til if the valves should be offset when manual shows either or or doesn't say? Like .004 to .008 intake & .006-.008 exhaust. Or mfg manual says .004-.006 inch on both. But doesn't say if it should be offset for a 208cc generator. I only hear offset the valves from the technicians by example of operation. So offset or not?

[@seafoodmonster3060]

Great video. Thanks!

[@harrisstylianou5651]

How do we move to other pistons to adjust the valve clearance. Is not easy to turn the engine from flywheel. Can you please make a video on a real simple petrol engine so will be easier to see what we do after adjusting the first piston. And of course to show as how to turn the engine. Thank you very much for your help!!

[@grantbellinger7403]

Beautiful matey,Absolutely Terrific!,good onya cob,thank you!

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you kindly, I really appreciate it. Craig

[@amponsa8123]

Very well illustrated, ❤❤❤😊

[@honeyroy1956]

Thank you.

[@frankdoingthings8511]

Top video mate 👍

[@sylviaeugeniehuber4102]

The video is very interesting. In your experience, is it possible that all 6 rocker arms on the right cylinder bank break and not a single valve is bent? Thank you for your feedback and best regards from Austria.

[@jesussantibanez6711]

Thank you for sharing great video 👍👍👍👍

[@johnsonshieh50]

Excellent teaching!!

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much for your kind comment. I really appreciate it. Is your engine a small single cylinder like this? and could you tell me of any parts of the video that needed more clarification? I really appreciate your honest comments. Thanks again. Craig

[@frankvucolo6249]

Great cut away engine! Instead of going for top dead center, I rotate the engine until one valve is completely open (on the top of the cam lobe.) This tells me the other valve is completely closed. I adjust the closed valve, rotate until that one is completely open and adjust the other valve - which is now completely closed. This also takes the compression release mechanism out of the equation because it will not be in place with one valve completely open. I wonder if my practice is sound (it seems to be and seems to work?) So many folks do the TDC on compression thing that I wonder. Thoughts?

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

First of all, thank you for your kind feedback. I really appreciate it. As for the way you adjust your clearances, I also adjust the clearance this way myself. I too have never had an issue with. I find it just as accurate as the method I showed in the video. I think it’s just a case of preference really, and it seems that the more experienced mechanics among do it the way you mentioned. I think it’s also a generation thing to a degree. When I was taught how to set clearance back in the late 80’s, it seemed to be the old fashioned way of doing it. I have some old Honda engine service manuals and in them is the method you explained. I think it’s just become a little more popular in recent years to adjust them as I showed in the vid. But in my opinion your method is great 👍

[@larrywilliams3858]

That made my morning coffee!!!

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Awesome 👍👍👍

[@walterpidgeon9572]

Good lesson, but I wonder how to find the TDC in a multicylinder diesel engine fitted with prechambers and not externally marked with some indication.

[@marilynarce7223]

Muy buena esplicacion gracias Good explanation thanks

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you very much for your kind feedback. I really appreciate it. Craig 👍👍👍

[@honkeyness9427]

This is great. My mechanic told me that he did not want to further adjust valves in my 98 Accord to silence the rocker arm clatter - he was afraid of going “too far”. Is that legitimate or is he perhaps lying and never even removed valve cover?

[@helpmelearn1181]

Excellent teaching moment. :)

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you 👍👍👍

[@hughdoherty2416]

Well explained 👍👍👍👍

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you 😃

[@tintinqueen6561]

Sir, what if it's just almost at TDC and it's only slightly closer at TDC is it ok to adjust the valve clearances?or it's only important only that both valves are close...I hope u reply sir thank you and God bless