LUFTAir-Cooled
Workshop · AI Service & Restoration

Fix it,
don't flip it.

Pick a job or search one. We walk you through it torque-spec by torque-spec — written for the 901, G-series, 964, and 993 platforms specifically, not "cars" in general.

Your Garage
All air-cooled
911 bodyshell restorationRestoration
Guide 014 · Engine & Fuel915 & 930 gearcase era

Valve Clearance

2.7L & 3.0L flat-six · set cold, engine off, every 15,000 miles.

Intermediate~2 hr6 tools6 steps
Tools & parts
13mm wrenchFeeler gauge 0.004"Valve cover gasketsTorque wrenchDistributor wrenchShop light
01

Let the engine cool fully

Clearances are set cold — at least 3 hours off, or first thing before startup. Checking warm reads tight and leads to burnt valves.

02

Pull the valve covers & rotate to TDC No. 1

Bar the engine over by the crank pulley until the TDC mark aligns with the case split. Confirm with the distributor rotor pointing at cylinder 1.

◆ Crank pulley bolt 174 lb-ft on reassembly
03

Check clearance with a feeler gauge

Intake and exhaust set to 0.004 in cold. The gauge should pass with light drag — a firm bind is too tight, a rattle is too loose.

04

Adjust the locknut & screw

Loosen the 13mm locknut, turn the adjuster to spec, then hold the adjuster while torquing the locknut so the setting does not walk.

◆ Rocker locknut 18 lb-ft
05

Rotate 180° and repeat around the firing order

Work the 1-6-2-4-3-5 order, rotating the crank between each cylinder pair. Re-verify No. 1 at the end.

06

Reseal and reinstall the covers

Fresh gaskets, clean sealing surfaces, and even nut torque prevent the classic air-cooled valve-cover weep.

◆ Valve cover nuts 7 lb-ft
Ask the Workshop · AI, tuned to your air-cooled Porsche
Sign in to ask the Workshop

The AI service — chassis-specific diagnostics, torque specs, and procedures — is free for LUFT members.