This arrangement is used on a number of cars including the Austin Maxi and Allegro 1500 and 1750 models, the Princess 2200 range and Hillman Imp engines. The 2000cc and 1700cc ‘0’ series overhead camshaft engines used since 1978 in the four-cylinder Prin- cess and Marina 1700 models need special tools and equip- mentto hold the camshaft while clearances are checked, and these engines are best left to professionals.

Step 1. Refer to the handbook to see if the valve clearances are to be checked with the engine hot or cold.

2. Remove the camshaft cover. On some engines this means disconnecting the high-tension cables at the spark plugs (mark them with sticky tape for cor- rect reassembly). It may also involve disconnecting the fuel pipe at the carburettor (block the end with a pencil), and removing the air cleaner from the carburettor.

3. Turn the crankshaft until one cam lobe is pointing directly away from the tappet.

4. Checkthe manifolds to ascertain whether the valve is for inlet or exhaust, then use a feeler gauge—laminating two together if necessary—to check the clearance between the tappet and the heel of the cam lobe. Make a note of the valve (number them from the generator end of the engine), and make a note of the clearance.

5. Turn the engine until the next cam lobe is pointing directly away from the tappet and repeat Step 4. Continue this procedure until all the valve clearances have been checked and noted.

6. Compare the clearances with the manufacturer’s recom- mendation. On single-carbur- ettor Maxi engines, for inst Project 13: Pushrod and rocker ance, the manufacturer states that no adjustment is neces- sary until the valve clearances are less than 0.01 2in (0.30mm).

7. If clearances do need adjusting, have the job done professionally.