I have a solid lifter EA81. While replacing my leaky valve covers I decided to adjust the valves. After setting them to .010 & .014 they were even louder than before!

 

The big question to me, why are the valve specs so loose?

 

On my aircooled cars and motorcycles valve clearances were always in the .004-.008 range, and theoretically those motors have a lot more expansion to account for.

The amount of valve clatter at spec is almost embarrassing...

 

Has anyone ever tried setting the valves in the .008-.010 range?

Adjusting this clearance is a science and an art. I've been fooled more times than I can count. It takes experience and paying close attention to everything. Set them tighter you'll be ok. Thermal expansion is the wild card to figure in and concentrate on...