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
1985 911 Carrera 3.2
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
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