PEUGEOT 304 MAKING ADJUSTMENTS
QI have a 1974 Peugeot 304 on which, when making adjustments to the points or valve clearances,
I have always simply removed the spark plugs, disconnected the coil and jogged the engine round by short bursts of the starter motor. A friend has recently told me that this is placing undue wear on the starter and ring gear and I should not do it this way. He suggested jacking the vehicle up on one side and putting it in gear, then turning a road wheel to rotate the engine. Is he correct?
Hugh Roberts
AUsing the starter with the spark plugs removed was always a tried and tested method of turning the engine over when making such adjustments. With the spark plugs removed, the battery power is minimal, and the load on the starter is not excessive either. There are also dedicated tools which were made to power the starter from under the bonnet, giving maximum control.
However, the method suggested by your friend will impose no strain on the starter or battery, and will not risk any wear of the starter pinion and ring gear, and so this would be my preferred method. Ensure that the wheel is raised just slightly off the ground and so can turn freely, and then place the vehicle in top gear. (This will be the easiest to use to rotate the engine using the wheel.) Be sure to remember to place the vehicle back in neutral afterwards before lowering it back to the ground. You will find this method not only places no stress on the starter motor and ring gear, but also enables the engine to be turned to exactly the correct position without going past the point needed.