1961 A7 Valve clearances

[stu.andrews]

I am about to adjust the valve clearances but have found two different settings. For the 1961 model, I read 10thou" inlet & 16thou" exhaust. These are the settings in the Haynes manual on page 10. Go on to page 46 & it states for all models 1960-2, they should be 8thou" & 10thou".
I have more faith in you guys on here, so what should they be?
With thanks

[huddie]

Hi Stu, I have had a look in my book, it's old albeit an original haynes covering A7 & A10 from 47 to 1962.

This book lists various settings for A7 depending on the model. It quite clearly says 0.008in. inlet and 0.010in. exhaust for ALL MODELS from 1960.
the other variations were for various ages and models up to 1959.
Hope that helps.
 regards Huddie

[stu.andrews]

Reading through other posts on the subject, most suggest the lower settings for a quieter engine but the greater for power. I just want an easy life with a quiet engine & reliability so will go with the smaller settings although the Haynes does contradict itself when reading the section on routine maintenance.
Any other opinions?
Thanks for your help.

[Beezageezauk]

Hi Stu,

Check the details shown on page 10 of the Haynes manual and you will find a little asterisk after A7 Models. E.G......A7 Models*

Now check at the bottom of page 10 where it tells you that the asterisk refers to all A7 engines after engine number AA7.101 (1951 onwards).  It goes on to say that the information on page 46 is for earlier engines (pre 1951).

I'm sure that I am reading it correctly but see what you think.  If I am correct then your tappets should be set at 10 and 16 thou with (as stated on page 10) engine cold.  

Now then...go to the top of page 15 and it tells you 10 and 16 thou with the engine running!!  No wonder we criticise
the Haynes manuals.

Ok, moving forward, the BSA Service Sheet number 203 states that valve clearance checks should be done when the engine is quite cold and the A7 settings are as follows.

Engines up to XA7-601      In. 0.003in.    Ex.   0.003in.
Engines from XA7-601 to ZA7-11192    In. 0.015in.     Ex.   0.015in.
Engines after AA7-101   In. 0.010in     Ex. 0.016in.
A7 Shooting Star    In.  0.008in.    Ex.  0.012in.

Hope this helps.

Beezageezauk.

[stu.andrews]

Hi beezageezauk
As the service sheet is a BSA issue, I'll go by that. I agree with what you say, although the Haynes (bless'em), like you say, says that Sect 30.7 is for earlier engines then lists 1960-2 in that section! (My Haynes is a recent reprint) Never had this problem with a Triumph as whatever settings were made, they always rattled!
Appreciate your imput beezageezauk.
TTFN

[muskrat]

 Alloy head 8-10, iron head 10-16.
Cheers
 Edit.  see below, sort of Trev. An alloy head with a 356 or a 334 will require less clearance than an iron head. What cam would a 61 A7 have? It should be a 356?

[trevinoz]

Not right, Musky.
334 cam 010 - 016
356 cam 008 - 010

Trev.

[stu.andrews]

Thanks to all of you. Assume I have the standard camshaft so will try 10thou/16thou.

[Beezageezauk]

Yes Stu,

Go for 10 and 16.

But I mis-read Service Sheet number 203 and the 8 and 8 was for the A10 Super Flash and Road Rocket.  The figures stated for the A7 Shooting Star are actually 0.008in for the Inlet and 0.012in for the exhaust so I've modified my comment to show this.

As Trev mentions, these figures will vary if different camshafts have been fitted over the years.

Beezageezauk.

[stu.andrews]

10/16 thou it is, then.
Thanks beezageezauk.
Want a job at Haynes?

[duTch]

Just guessing, but I'm assuming that the Iron head runs 334 Cam = 10/16, and Alloy head runs 356 = 8/10..

[stu.andrews]

Beezageeza- over to you!

[trevinoz]

Stu,
               According to the 1960-63 BSA parts book, all models, excepting the high performance types, have the 356 cam fitted.

Trev.

[stu.andrews]

Really confused now!

[stu.andrews]

I think I will try 10/16 thou to begin with & if very noisy then will reset to the lower figures & do a compression check when hot to make sure the valves are closing completely. It appears that the camshaft was changed for the 61-63 models, but, being 51 years old, who knows what camshaft is actually fitted now.
You've all been a great help but would still be interested in any further comment or suggestions.
Thanks Guys