I've done work on most systems but have never adjusted internal engine components. That is likely to change as I want to do a tappet adjustment on my '87 XJ6. I found a video walking through the process, so feel comfortable enough with measuring the gap and the shims, but have a few basic questions first:

1) Which way does the engine turn? If I stand at the front of the car, and look towards the rear of the car, I think it will be clockwise. Is that correct?
2) The crankshaft pulley is the big one at the bottom, directly underneath the fan and (I think) water pump, correct?
3) Can someone tell me the socket size on the crankshaft? I'm guessing the best way to get to it is a big socket on a breaker bar, coming from underneath the car.

Thank you in advance! I'm a bit embarrassed to ask these Qs; I'm almost completely self-taught on old Cadillacs, and still have gaps in my knowledge.

 

1: Clockwise
2. Yes. It's the lowermost pulley.
3. 1-5/16"

 

Short 1-5/16" socket, 1/2 tubing about 18" long & 1/4" clamp.... will reach down between Fan shroud and water pump.
Rgds
David

 

Interesting, what stops the socket turning in the exhaust clamp?

 

With 1/2" square steed tube, you get relatively good clamping friction... most times I have had the spark plugs out, and haven't had it spin. Occasionally checking timing, have left plugs in and it was ok. Would not work trying to free a frozen engine, you would have to go underneath with the breaker bar for that. I suppose a little JB Weld would help.
Rgds
David

 

How will I know when a valve is fully open or closed? Is it just eyeballing when it starts to go back down while turning engine, or is there a more discernible visual or feeling once I get the cam covers off?

 

Just eyeball the cam lobe for each cylinder.
The lobe of the cam will face 180 degrees away from tappet, when valve is closed for checking clearance. When tip of lobe is 0 degrees on tappet, the valve will be at full open.
Rgds
David

 

I found a video walking through the process, so feel comfortable enough with measuring the gap and the shims

Can you post the link to this Video? I'd love to see it. I have a slightly noticeable "tick, tick" on the intake side which is likely either the tappets or noisy injectors. I think it is the latter, but it would be worth seeing the tappet adjustment done.

To all who may want to answer ( I have a stakedown kit and just did the valve covers so it isn't the tappet cups rising up).

 

here you go. This guy does a whole head gasket job on video like this- seems like a great resource!

 

I made the tool, and still having trouble getting it onto the bolt. I can get down there from the driver's side (opposite PS pump), but having difficulty locking it onto the nut Are you removing the fan or PS belt for extra clearance? I’ll keep at it…

 

I usually do it from underneath with the car jacked up and on stands and use a breaker bar. It can be hard to turn with the sparkplugs in, or turn slowly to let the pressure bleed off.

 

If you are doing it with the plugs out try turning it via the ac compressor or alternator pulley etc. nuts. i.e. via the belt.

 

The nut is recessed. I put it down just to the left of top center, assuming nut is ok, a little jigging right and left is require to get 12 point socket on to 6 point nut.
Rgds
David

 

I have found it necessary to drain the coolant and remove the transmission oil cooler to get enough room to access the bottom pulley with a wrench.

 

Thanks to all for the ideas. This has been rather frustrating, as none of the suggested methods have worked so far. Was not expecting turning the engine to be the most difficult part of the job :P

Underneath I have the sway bar and a big pipe in the way...even navigating those getting up past the fan shroud does not offer much clearance.

Have spent several hours with David's tool...seems like there are some precise clearances that must be planned or lucked into - it's gotten close, but I have maybe 1/2" where it get hung up on the fan shroud and won't grab the bolt...might try a bigger exhaust clamp to choke up on the socket, or possibly cutting the bottom of the shroud...not sure at this point.

Plugs are out, belts are not turning it.

I'm considering just jumping the starter and hoping to get lucky...but that seems a bit imprecise for this.

Hopefully something works soon...way more time than I was hoping to spend on this crankshaft bolt.

 

Got it!! Made some adjustments to my version of David’s tool that got me on the bolt, then borrowed a neighbor’s welder to keep it from spinning, which was an issue for me. Hurrah!