valve adjustment

[mattmac]

I decided to check valve clearances today as noticed a lack of power on trip to the city yesterday-not easy to crank engine over by hand (without resorting to removing glowplugs) to line up pulley mark at TDC - it's a bloody big nut on the end of crankshaft pulley and can't really get a socket and bar on it -is there a special tool for this job? Anyway-valve clearances seemed okay so problem must lie elsewhere- I'm thinking maybe injector issue? Might do a compression test when i can borrow a tester.
I also decided to bleed the fuel system in case there was air in there- the only problem is when i operate the hand primer pump fuel leaks out the top -i assume there's a sealing washer in there-is that replaceable or do i have to replace the whole primer pump-if so anyone know the part number and where to get one?
I also noticed on the rear rocker arm there's quite a bit of sideways play when TDC and pushrods loose- there's quite a gap between the circlip on end of shaft -is there meant to be some shims or washers between the circlip and end of rocker arm?

[steveG]

You can buy a Bosch priming pump that does a much better job for $20 on ebay.
Search on "bosch primer pump".
Like this one http://www.aulro.com/afvb/technical-chatter/130937-4bd1-priming-pump.html#post1501246

Can't recall if you've got a NA or turbo engine. Any symptoms with the power loss (stuttering, smoke etc) or just feels a bit sluggish?
I just put a ratchet and socket on the front nut to turn it. I ground a bit off the bottom edge of the radiator shroud to make it a bit easier.

Steve

[Dougal]

I just put it in 5th and push the vehicle to rotate the engine.
The Bosch primer is excellent.

[Judo]

I just put it in 5th and push the vehicle to rotate the engine.
The Bosch primer is excellent.

I jack up one front wheel, put it in 5th and spin the wheel to move to next valve. Good leverage on a tyre and can still eye ball the tappets.