Adjusting valve clearance (Skoda Favorit)

21. Maintaining proper clearances between the rocker arms and valves is vital to engine performance. If the clearances are too large, the valves will open later and close earlier than necessary, reducing engine efficiency. On the other hand, if the clearances are too small, there is a risk of the valves not closing completely when the piston rods and pushrods expand when heated. This will result in a drop in compression and burnt valve heads and seats.

22. Adjusting the valve clearances is performed on a cold engine. Disconnect the crankcase breather hose and remove the valve cover (Section 2). It may also be helpful to remove the spark plugs to make the crankshaft easier to turn.

23. It is important that when adjusting the clearance the tappet of the adjustable valve is in the lower phase of the stroke. This can be done by numbering the valves from left to right and adjusting in the following order (do not turn the crankshaft more than necessary).

The valve is fully open	Adjustable valve
№8	no./ (graduation)
№6	no. 3 (inlet)
№4	#5 (graduation)
№7	no. 2 (inlet)
№1	#8 (graduation)
№3	no. 6 (inlet)
№5	#4 (graduation)
№2	no. 7 (inlet)

24. The correct valve clearances are specified in Specifications at the beginning of this Section. Loosen the hex lock nut while holding the ball stud with a screwdriver. Insert a feeler gauge of the thickness specified in Specifications valve clearance. Turn the ball joint until the feeler gauge is clamped (photo). Then, holding the ball joint in the correct position, tighten the lock nut and recheck the clearance. Turn the crankshaft and repeat this procedure on the remaining valves.