By The Master Cylinder - 12 Years Ago
|
Saw this on e-bay. Has anyone ever seen or used a ZIM FEELZIT Valve set gauge? Looks like a nice tool if it works...

|
By Daniel Jessup - 12 Years Ago
|
Looks interesting and at a good price. If you don't snatch it up, I just might. I am curious to know if any "old-timers" know about this tool also.
|
By oldcarmark - 12 Years Ago
|
I picked one up a couple of years ago.Didn't find it to be any more use than just setting the valves with feeler gauge and wrench.Resold it on Ebay.Interesting item but not real useful.
|
By The Master Cylinder - 12 Years Ago
|
Daniel, I you want that one go ahead and get it. I got another one with instructions. What caught my eye is it states it can adjust clearance on worn rockers that you couldn't use a feeler gauge on.
Here's the instructions if you need them;
|
By The Master Cylinder - 12 Years Ago
|
Hmmm, for some reason the site won't let me post it larger. If interested I can e-mail you a PDF.
Edit: See if the attachment below is any better. You can click on it to ZOOM IN....
|
By DANIEL TINDER - 12 Years Ago
|
While this should be a useful tool (in theory), as the rotational demarcation indicators should very accurately measure vertical distance change (once the proper screw thread/travel ratio is discerned), the fact remains that the included flathead bit only works with adjusters that require a locknut, and the very act of properly tightening the nut (even assuming the flathead bit could actually be held fast) changes the final adjuster clearance considerably. If this tool came with the hex bit needed for friction rocker adjusters without the locknut, then (again, in theory) it might be more useful, but in the end, some kind of accurate dial indicator tool is really needed to double-check the adjuster setting/clearance if the rocker tips are worn. Of course, once a correct adjustment procedure is worked out & tested, a safe guess COULD be made re: final clearance, but if you already have the dial indicator tool needed to verify the Feelzit adjustment, then why even bother?
|
By oldcarmark - 12 Years Ago
|
If you are working with worn rocker arm tips the "1/4 turn" method is about as accurate as you will get.My opinion anyway.
|
By GREENBIRD56 - 12 Years Ago
|
I agree with Mark - the quarter turn method is so close it isn't worth "over engineering" a better method.
I set mine by feeler, found that when checked with a dial indicator they were off by .001 to .0015 (due to wear in the rockers I'm sure). So I adjusted my technique by the offset (used a thinner feeler) - which works fine. After reading about the quarter turn method, I tried that and compared results with the dial again. It works fine and avoids dragging out the feelers.
|
By Daniel Jessup - 12 Years Ago
|
the last time I set rockers was with the quarter turn method and those rockers had just a little wear - I was satisfied with the results. For heavily worn rockers I gave up on feeler gauges a long time ago unless I am doing a new engine or one with very little wear. This tool intrigues me. All of the Y blocks I have ever done/owned save one had the locknut like the early style.
Master Cylinder - I can print out that attachment just fine - thank you for the information.
I think I will pull the trigger.
|
By Ted - 12 Years Ago
|
Here’s a picture of a similar tool built by Plomb. The date on the handle on this one is 1936. Where as the Zim tool has a built in scale, the Plomb unit has a spot to clip in different scales.
And here’s a picture of a valve adjusting tool with a built in micrometer. Both of these tools use 1/2" drive sockets.
|
By The Master Cylinder - 12 Years Ago
|
DANIEL TINDER (10/26/2013) The very act of properly tightening the nut (even assuming the flathead bit could actually be held fast) changes the final adjuster clearance considerably.
Why would that be? Why would it be any different than using a screwdriver and a wrench? The flathead bit turns independently of the handle...
Ted, where does the scale mount on the Plomb?
I did a search on PLOMB (PLVMB Logo according to the site I linked to below??). Appears they made many different tools for autos. PLOMB TOOLS
While searching for info on PLOMB tools I came across a Snap On valve adjuster. Seems this type of tool was very popular.

Ted, the ZIM uses a 1/2" drive socket also.
|
By The Master Cylinder - 12 Years Ago
|
Here's another ZIM with box wrenches

Must have been a popular tool back in the day. I would have to assume it worked with some success due to how many manufacturers made them...
|