Valve clearances

[MK2GTI]

I have a MK2 GTI (1985). I have tried to measure the valve clearances with a feeler gauge but I can't get even a .05mm gauge under any of them! ( the smallest gap should be .15mm - (inlet valve when cold) according to the Haynes manual) and yes I am measuring the gap when the 'fattest' end of the cam lobe is next to the shim. Can anyone help me with this.

Cheers

Dave

[richandhazel]

You should have hydraulic lifters on a Mk2 1985 GTI. Are you sure you're not using the procedure for non hydraulic lifters?

Have a look here for more information:-

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/richandhazel1/Hydraulic%20tappet%20information/ESIS.htm

[richandhazel]

I've just had a look in the Haynes manual myself and I'm certain that the procedure you are following is for the older (Mk1) engine that had buckets and shims.

[MK2GTI]

Thanks for your help Rich, I think you may of hit the nail on the head! ? I?ve been a bit worried about it to be honest.
The hydraulic followers (if that?s what mine are) look like solid metal cylinders not a ?capped? cylinder ? the way the older bucket and shims look in the Haynes manual ? Is that correct?  

Cheers

Dave

[richandhazel]

The hydraulic followers (if that?s what mine are) look like solid metal cylinders not a ?capped? cylinder ? the way the older bucket and shims look in the Haynes manual ? Is that correct? ?

Cheers

Dave

Hi Dave. That does sound correct.
I assume there is a reason why you are checking the clearances? Is it a bit tappy on start-up?
If you're worried, there is a procedure for checking the valve clearances for cams with hydraulic followers. Its included in that link I sent you earlier......click on the last sentence on the webpage.
The replacement followers are around ?6 each from GSF.

My girlfriends Audi 80 has been tappy on start up ever since we got it about 5 or 6 years ago. It hasn't got any worse and once the tapping noise goes, usually within a minute or two, you know those hydraulic followers are funtioning fine.

[modulater]

The easiest way to tell if its hydraulic or not is to count the camshaft bearings, a hydraulic head has one missing on the right hand side between cylinders 3 and 4.