The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest Tool for adjusting valves

Looking for a combination wrench/screwdriver for setting the valves on a stovebolt. My Dad was telling me about it the other day when I was adjusting the valves on my '50. He said that you could hold the wrench in one hand and the feeler gauge in the other. He said that the mechanics used to be able to set valves in 15 minutes.

Thanks
Don

I know which one he's taking about, I have one that I got from Snap-On. Seems it isn't listed in their current catalog, though. I can see if I can get the part number for you if you want to see about getting one.

ZIM FEELZIT VALVE SET GAUGE (with indicator)

ZIM #830

Tim, Ive just tried searching any or part of what you listed, as Im curious to see what the tool looks like. Where the heck do I find it?

Thanks, Jeff

There were many type of valve/head/engine tools made by the ZIM Manufacturing Company of Chicago, Illinois.

They made/sold various styles of valve set gauges. That photo is part of a full-page ad (or instructions) posted by SlimSix on oldGMCtrucks.com.

Cool, thanks for the link.

Here is one source.


http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch.asp?N=700+4294925139+4294925138+115+4294853224

Which of those tools at Summit Racing will work with 216/235/261 tappet nuts/screws?

Dunno. What size nut / what type of screw? I don't have an I6 on the property at the moment.

The next page shows a "one size fits all" model.

The thing is to look around. The tools still exist. I coulda sworn Eastwood had some. Maybe even HF (shudder.) Snapon, Mac, Matco, Cornwell, all will have a version or two.

I have an old Proto version of this. I really liked it for running overheads on Cummins engines.

One size fits all (on the next page)?

LSM Racing one-tool valve lash tools configure to adjust all shaft and stud mount rocker systems on the market today. Buying a new valve lash adjusting wrench for each different rocker system is a thing of the past. Just snap on the appropriate standard 1/2 in. drive socket, insert the correct hex key, and you are good to go.

Most modern ones have different sized hex heads as the adjustment screw. A standard flat screwdriver is used on 216/235/261 (see the tool in the photo at the link above). The tightening nut size can be matched by the size of the drive socket (not included with the tool).

I've seen the old Protro version and that works quite well.

This one in Australia would also work.

Can't remember the last motor I used a flat screwdriver on to adjust the valves. Maybe a Datsun?? Or 1970's Toyota Corolla Wagon?? Been years since I've done a valve adjust! Actually, the last time I messed with valves and rockers was when I redid the top end of my 454, about 2 years ago?

I have one of the above described tools, uses a 5/8" socket and you can do a one hand adjustment with the feeler gauge in your other hand. I also have a tool my dad made back in the 1920's that is a screwdriver with the blade set back into the handle and the metal cover is flush with the end of the blade, it is not as good as the purpose made tool, but is better than trying to keep a regular screwdriver in the slot with the rocker arm dancing.

For years I had always looked at the Moss Motors catalog and yearned for their valve adjusting tool. (Moss is a British car parts supplier) I think the adjuster was around 40 but it seemed cheaper to just use a wrench screwdriver and feeler guage.Well, the other day I was mysteriously drawn to a yard sale in my neighborhood. I was about to leave with only a couple purchases when i looked in a box at the end of the table. I couldn't believe it but there was an old, patent pending even, valve adjusting tool. It has the two wrench sizes, one on each end and the screwdriver rotates from one end to the other depending on the size of the rocker nut. I paid a dollar for it....As is sometimes is the case, the people that were selling it had no idea what it was, so I told them after I bought it. It really made my day!

This ebay item is the same as the one I bought...170257855437 as mentioned in previous posts. Thanks, kenny

I'm still looking for a Vintage tool. Been hunting swap meets and flea markets. The Proto is what the guys that used them back in the day say worked the best. Anyone that has an extra. let me know.
Thanks
Don

Don,
There are a couple vintage snap on units on ebay right now.
http://motors.shop.ebay.com/i.html?...0.l1313&_odkw=PROTO&_osacat=6028
If the link doesn't work, I just searched for "valve adjusting tool"

Don't get stiffed with an old tool that has been beating around in the bottom of some mechanics box for 40 years. Those are still being made brandy new, exactly like the originals. I went looking for them last year when they were being discussed but just don't need another egg chopper or tomato slicer in my tool box. A stubby screw driver and short 5/8" box wrench works just as good.
DG

You can hold the stubby screwdriver and wrench in the same hand? And a hubcap driver is not an egg chopper?

Oh there taint no argument there son, I've made note several times what a usless tool that driver is, just thought since I had the tubing and a few spare minutes I'd whip up another dust collector.
I'm purty shure your gonna have to keep both hands on that thar special adjuster tool also, so I think its a wash. I'm an old timer and “when I wore a younger mans cloths” I was taught to adjust valves while the engine was running and always did it that way. Lately I’ve been doing it with the engine dead in two positions, much simpler.
DG

I just looked at the prices on eBay. I didn't know I had something that valuable in my old tool box that is strictly for my old jalopies.