Valve adjustment on a Classic Mini Explained

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Tools needed
- Flat head screwdriver
- 1/2 inch wrench
- 1 5/16 inch socket (optional)
- Feeler gauge set
- 13/16 inch spark plug socket
- 5/8 inch socket or wrench
Mini parts www.stevestonmotorco.com

[@TheoXydias_PerlaCoffeeTrailer]

literally i just opened haynes and couldn't understsnd shit. 5 minutes later you upload the video. thanks for the timing!!

[@Stevestonmotorco]

XyDtE K Glad to help!

[@TheoXydias_PerlaCoffeeTrailer]

check my tutorials too i have made some but you have better quality for sure!!!!

[@seanroland612]

Haha "thanks for the 'timing'...." Pun intended

[@oldmatebutler]

You guys are the best! You know someone really understands something when they can explain it in a way even a muppet can understand. Love your mini vids, keep ‘em coming!

[@crunchynutcornflakes]

Thanks for another great video! Top tip for any AUTOMATIC Classic Mini owners out there; to turn your engine over while its in the car your options are either remove the radiator to access the crankshaft pulley bolt as shown, or I would recommend removing the starter motor and turning the engine over using the flywheel :)

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Steve F thx for the tip!

[@NetWit20]

There are easier ways. Removing the radiator is not easy and removing the starter is not necessary. A cheap starter switch is the easiest way to move the rockers on a Minimatic.

[@gpintpa001]

Watched several of these and yours is simply excellent. Video quality and detail is first rate. Others either baffle you with unnecessary detail or are so poorly shot you can't see what's going on. Yours is the first I've seen to emphasize removal of the spark plugs, which greatly reduces the effort involved. Thanks so much.

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Happy to help you out, and thanks for the comment!

[@dm7097]

The absolute best description on how to do this! I have putting it off on my midget for a while cause I couldn't understand how to do it correctly. Thank You! Subbed.

[@Stevestonmotorco]

You're so welcome!

[@pugwonk]

@@Stevestonmotorco My Midget (well, Sprite) is about to suffer my first attempt at this because of this fine video...

[@christiaanventer8183]

Would like a sound demonstration of what a 'loose' rocker arm sounds like. Some before and after audio would be much appreciated.

[@8Sinc8]

Finally a very simple and easy to follow explanation. Rule of 9 made it so simple!!

[@mds2465]

They also make a special valve adjustment tool for this job. But a box wrench and a flathead screwdriver works just as well.

[@devonfranco5644]

I’m working on first mini and it lot of fun I want to own a lot of them and your videos help me out a lot keep on doing a good job

[@ronj.2730]

Grüße aus Deutschland, deine Videos sind Top und sehr informativ! Mach weiter so, Typen wie Dich gibt es hier leider kaum! LG Ron

[@jonathanekman3342]

The best valve timing explanation on KZbin!! Keep up that quality 🛠️ 👌 Would love a camshaft timing tutorial too 😉

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Jonathan Ekman Wow, thank you. 🙌

[@austennaeve]

seriously this is some great stuff!

[@pardonmasvikeni7194]

Show

[@kevinkaura410]

Thanks for lesson... This is the best video I have watched .

[@tilackramsaywack3705]

Wonderful demo buddy. Simple, we'll explained and focused

[@misribanda5555]

Such a great explanation I have ever come across. Thumbs up

[@ketsadakrontreesudakul1358]

1.Request for engin timimg marking point position2.Request for intake and ex-haust side valves

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Check out our ultimate ignition timing video for engine timing questions!

[@ketsadakrontreesudakul1358]

thank you

[@Macaco_Branco]

Great Tutorial Philip, thank you very much! Greetings from Germany! ^^

[@conyetodd5100]

Really informative, please make more of these how to style videos :)

[@pianosmuchanyangi6813]

oooh very simple explanation and easy to follow. thanx a lot for the good vid

[@mervynewing358]

It seems like if you take valve 8 depressed then the opposite end to adjust, ( the symmetrical opposite) so you do not have to count and if you make sure after valve 8 the next is 7 with symmetrical is 2 up from right Then 3rd one from left (depressed then adjust 3rd from right. You will get them all done as long as you do it 8 times moving from left to right. IN EFFECT ADJUSTING THEM ONE AFTER THE OTHER FROM RIGHT TO LEFT

[@bertielouscafe8999]

I usually verify cylinder head torque prior to valve adjustments.

[@purecrystal153]

I have learned that the resistance should be similar to when you drag a magnet on a fridge

[@johnvito1671]

Thank you for the best video so far. Could you please tell me the gauge size you used in mm? The gauge is have is in millimeters

[@AndysMGAdventures]

well, this is a SUPERB video. Thanks mate!

[@bennie8724]

Thanks man you really help keep up 👍 good work bro

[@ryandungy151]

Very nice valve lash adjustment video bro.

[@prawny12009]

rule of nine doesn't work on all firing orders, on an inline four cylinder engine that doesn't follow the rule of nine you can use the cam lobes as a reference because they are 180 degrees apart on each piston pair. If you set a valve on number one cylinder to fully open/ on the tip of the cam lobe it's twin on number four will be fully closed/ on the heel of the cam lobe and vice versa, the same goes for cylinders 2 and 3.

[@daveenderez5982]

Example if it's a straight 6 engine that has 12 valves in it 2 per cylinder, can I make it rule of 13? 😅

[@wooom3000]

So it does not matter witch one is intake and which one is exhaust? 16v the same thing? Number one always intake??

[@raymondlungu9665]

well thank you that was cool teaching

[@LezOU]

Thank you ! Absolutely brilliant !

[@mikitel]

Is the rule of 9 can be apply in 6 cylinder engine

[@crispycade4444]

for 6 cyl it's rule of 13

[@saadabdi272]

i did 0.30 to cool valves also 0.28 to hot volves

[@madmattyrcmadmattyrc7895]

That was a great video helped me so much thanks

[@tilackramsaywack3705]

Rule of 9 applies to 4 cylinders only ?. How about v-6 Honda engines?. Please for a demo. Thanks

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Best to check with your engine's manual

[@ruinoite]

Does the rule of 9 only apply to this particular engine? Or does it work on similar engines? I want to adjust the valves of my Fiat 127 900C from 1979.

[@michaelinkster4977]

Does the role of 9 apply to all engines? I have a six cylinder marine engine. Can incorrect valve clearance damage the engine or would it just be a case of burning the valves?

[@mehmetalicavus3454]

👌👍 really clear explanation thank you.

[@lamotoroja]

Que espesor las galgas en pulgadas amigo

[@aalrashaid]

Thank you I’m learning more 😃

[@grundfoswatergeneratorsand3397]

Very healthy free lesson

[@prawny12009]

I would love to have rockers made for my ohv engine that can accept hydraulic tappets as used in the 899 fiat 100 series engine as found in cinquecento and seicento models

[@madmattyrcmadmattyrc7895]

That was a great video helped me so much thanks .m

[@jellert]

Great content, keep on going!!

[@troybradshaw7058]

Thanks for the clip, the mini and I really appreciate it. Do you recheck the timing or adjust the air/fuel mix afterwards?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Technically you should double check timing afterwards, but it should be close enough for most folks. If they were very far out, we check the timing out of the assumption that the car has been neglected and timing set improperly in the first place. Same for carb mixture.

[@jedtomas9278]

Hi Philip, i got a 998A+ A/T engine. Having a hard time on adjusting to select a gear specially reverse. What can you recommend for a fix? TIA. Great vids!

[@nugnug118]

So I’ve got a massive problem. I’ve set the clearances all wrong. Now they’re all mixed up so I can’t use the rule of 9. Is there anyway to find out how to set the valves completely from scratch

[@Stevestonmotorco]

That's fine. Just loosen them all off and start again. Watch for rod movement to see which valves are opening and set them as you go.

[@NeAr1986]

Awesome tutorial! Can this be done without remove the engine from the car?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

NeAr1986 yes absolutely. We were pulling the engine on that car anyways so decided to show how to adjust the valves since it’s just easier to film and show everything.

[@NeAr1986]

Stevestonmotorco thank you!

[@1gerard47]

If you are asking this question you shouldn't be working on cars.

[@jonathanharrington9297]

Great video, Thanks. Is this done when the engine is hot or cold?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

It should be dead cold

[@fariedtitus5269]

Great vid, do we have to follow the rule of 9?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

There are other ways of following the rule but you will need some way of finding which valves you can adjust

[@daredarkopetrov7465]

Intake 0.30 and exaust 0.40?

[@jayn1676]

What if it's a 6 cylinder?

[@DavidKemp]

You can just put the car in 4th gear and push the car to turn over the engine.

[@jamesfoster4577]

Hi, great video. How tight do you do the locking nut up?

[@1gerard47]

Nip it

[@velocity800]

Hi , im in the process of adjusting the valve, what filler number should i use im mm? Is it 12thousands of an inch? What is it in millimeter? Thank you

[@Stevestonmotorco]

It depends on your engine spec. They vary, so that's why we don't specify. Gotta look it up!

[@AdiZarka]

Thank you for the very detailed clip . It’s work the same on a 2012 Mini ?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Not sure, you'll have to consult the manual or new mini forums.

[@TornadoCAN99]

No. Modern cars like the 2012 mini no longer have rocker type valves. Most modern engines have the camshaft over top of the cylinders (unlike the classic engines where cam is below cylinder and uses pushrods to push the rocker arms up/down). Modern engines typically have hydraulically adjusted cam-followers pushing down on the valves which do not need to be manually adjusted...the oil pressure is used to self-adjust. After prolonged mileage, there are small circular shims that make contact on the valve stems that can be replaced if worn below a certain limit.

[@moejohn6340]

Thank You Sir..

[@dcgfii]

Nice! Had never heard about the rule of nines. Is that applicable to most 8 valve engines?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Diogo Campo Grande It should be! Mandatory disclaimer: check with the manual.

[@dcgfii]

Alrighty. Thank you for the great content!

[@WilliamMurfittGolf]

Is there a difference in valve gap between the 998 1098 & 1275 engines and do you use the same gap for mpi & spi too? Thanks in advance

[@crunchynutcornflakes]

Yes, Yes and Yes (according to Haynes and Mr Vizard)

[@papadudztv2318]

I want to apply to your shop im a car mechanic from philippines

[@wattymolly1926]

pertect demonstration sir.except alittle confusion on applying rule of9.

[@brucestevens5318]

Hi - What difference would there be (if any), to add a set of 1.5:1 lifters of a stock 1275 Rover Mini Automatic? Thanks

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Hi, it depends on a number of factors but, in general, it would move your torque curve higher in the rpm range.

[@slotcarracingargentina3075]

Hi Steve! Greate video like always. Can you tell me the Feeler gauge that you use? 0,20 or 0,30mm??? Regards from @mini.lotso

[@Stevestonmotorco]

It actually depends on the engine

[@slotcarracingargentina3075]

@@Stevestonmotorco I have a 1,3spi 1991 Mini Cooper. I read that the value is about 0,23 to 0,30mm? Can you give me a hand? Regards from @mini.lotso.

[@sjulier]

Superb video

[@bonobo8680]

hey guys, 0.30 or 0.40 mm for à 998?

[@operatorchanneltv]

Nice bro

[@charlimonington9479]

How do u slack the screw? Its seized n wont turn

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Loosen the locking nut first

[@abdullahhashim8560]

Sorry which filler gauge number is use? 12mm?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

You need to consult your manual and engine specifications because it's not always the same

[@abdullahhashim8560]

Engine is 1300cc Honda civic 2005

[@carloscarvalho4595]

Hello, great tutorial, can you make a camshaft timing tutorial? Thank you

[@samsonalfred7322]

Very good

[@andrecoval2208]

hi steve, could you tell me what measure of the filler gauge do you use. great content by the way.

[@1gerard47]

It's a feeler guage not a filler guage you don't leave it in .🤭😂

[@domdegood5376]

Why you people dont wash the grease of with some petrol before you start.

[@mashuduishmael7055]

it was well thanks

[@SoddingaboutSi]

"A" Series Engine.

[@excodenim]

The mini scienctist

[@stevefuller1779]

With 4 cylinder engines, I make use of the fireing order,just get the valves on cylinder 1 "on the rock", this is the point where both valves are slightly open, this means that cylinder 4 is at TDC on compresion so you can adjust two valves at once. One revolution of the engine gets cylinder 3 on the rock so you can adjust cylinder 2, then next rev it's 4 so adjust 1, next rev 2 so adjust 4 been doing like that for near fifty years, works for me!

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Good tip. Whatever works!

[@jacquespoirier9071]

right ' just follow the firing order and half turn by half turn, adjust the cylinder that is to the firing point, much simpler, you adjust both valves and the reeor risk is minimized.

[@davehamlyn3097]

I've been setting tappets this way for almost 50 years. Really great . Thanks !

[@classicminidiy]

Love your channel man. The quality of the videos is top notch. Would love to do a collab sometime if youre into it since you are in NA. :-)

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Classic Mini DIY Thanks a lot! We'd totally dig a collab, that would be super fun 😁

[@classicminidiy]

I genuinely have no idea what we would do but I'm sure we could figure something out! If you want I could feature your car in a subscriber showcase one week if you send me some edited video.

[@Showmetheevidence-]

Love this channel. Recently got myself a little mini and this channel is a big help!

[@seanroland612]

I can't tell you how grateful i am to have found your channel. I recently traded my built r53 for a 1990 rover classic RHD from japan and it has seen better days! Information and parts are difficult to come by here in the US. I am going through everyone of your videos trying to bring the ol girl back to her previous glory! I wish every informational video on youtube was made as well as yours!

[@avivscrewvalla]

Yet another incredible guide. Keep churning them out guys....the views are racking up!

[@ZappBranning]

Its easy Just open number 1 and adjust number8 then open number2 then adjust number 7 and so on it all adds up to nine.

[@marvellousomonuwa6420]

Wow very nice explanation, please can the rule of nine be applied to V16 cylinder Engine

[@TheAnigai]

I wanted a Mini quite a bit but now that I just learned it's pretty much all not metric then it's fuck Mini's tbh

[@sabrom]

how many thousands on the feeler gauge should it be?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

That can depend on your engine type. Check out your service manual if you have one, or give the forums a quick search.

[@drcamp8843]

Should the engine be warm or cold when adjusting? Thanks for the video!

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Should be done when dead cold

[@shriramvenu]

Theres an easier way compared to the way you count the rockers. Start counting from 1 on the left untill you reach the valve being compressed, then when you reach the valve at max compression, go back to the left most of valve and continue counting till you reach 9

[@kamilov781]

Nice ❤❤

[@fierakuitali9313]

Why the rule of 9

[@minicooperro8145]

hello, your videos are amazing, and i have one question : why you jump a valve on the rules of the 9 at 5.50 to 6.10 ? sorry if i ve missed something :ppp best regards

[@yestintudz5429]

2021, very useful info. Thank you. there are so many Indians explaining this in English but I can't understand what they are saying.

[@ThePinktomato]

Thanks for this - Really useful process - Especially the do it twice comment at the end . Just like cutting wood measure twice and cut once -- Now I have the same for an engine - Do the valves through two rotations!

[@rodderpu1]

Had a hard time installing the rubber trumpets as they were solidly together. Finally did get apart but when fitting to frame, one side was much higher than the other, This is the way the mini came, in boxes. I found out that one radius arm was from hydro static mini, The trumpet socket was about 3/4" difference that the other!!!!Now have a correct pair but arms do not sit like the one on your bench. Should it be almost level?

[@tractormantp2113]

Good video

[@janettemolina7948]

Muy complicado,hay una forma normal de hacerlo sin tanta ciencia PMS en compresion en cada cilindro y en 720 grados, 2 vueltas del cigueñal,para todos los motores 4 tiempos sobre la faz de la tierra,de 1 hasta 24 cilindros y de de 2 ,3 o 4 valvulas por cilindro,es igual en todos.

[@maaliqokten2353]

What does a bad timing valve sound like? I've just changed the head gasket, and now the car sounds different when idling and accelerating

[@wyatt92563]

Excellent. Excellent. Excellent! I just did this to my 1979 MGB. The rule of 9s is a real time saver. Thx so much 👍🏻🙂

[@stevewest5397]

Watching these videos makes me super excited to get my own Mini next spring. Thanks Phil!

[@javierochoa6002]

Excellent tutorial! You should open a patreon account so I can buy you a beer.

[@stevelea727]

This is a good video on 4 cyl engine. It’s a Mini, but good video.

[@kingkong2025]

if the valves dont close fully would this cause a vibrating noise and no power above half throtle sounds like pistons are maxing out like drdrdrdrddrdrdrdrdrrddrdr

[@Stevestonmotorco]

king kong valves not being adjusted correctly can have many signs but it is very critical to engine running. If ever in doubt it’s always best to adjust them