G valve adjustment and associated frustrations

I'm 47, so hardly an "old guy", but was feeling a little old this week. I'm bringing my grandfather's G back up to snuff and decided to adjust the valves while I had the carb off. I'm glad I did as there was a stuck valve. I now have a new valve kit installed, adjusted, and the engine back together. Now my frustration.... you would not believe how hard it has been to find a valve spring compression tool and tappet wrenches. Of all the places I checked, Sears had the valve spring tool. I had to get tappet wrenches at Grainger. Over a week to find everything! I realized how few people know how to adjust non-hydraulic valves these days (or actually do it). While working on it, I called my 9 year old over to explain how the engine worked and what I was doing and he was interested. So, I guess the message is to make sure we all pass on the knowledge and that there is incredible value in a good tool set.

I got most of my hands on smarts with ATV and motorcycle engines so the jump to tractors was the same just more of them to adjust. There are still quite a few modern street bikes that require adjustment out there including mine and remember that any project is an opportunity to acquire more tools.

AnnArbor, I restored my G a few years ago. Took to block to a machinist to hot tank it and install new valves. Got it back less than clean so I finished the cleaning myself. Thought I'd check the valve clearances and found that they had not been adjusted. Not having tappet wrenches, I ground some Chinese wrenches thin and used them. I really hate to pay someone to do something they didn't do. Will never use him again. Bob@allisdowneast
   

by the time I ran all over to the place getting parts I was rather  at that I tend to apply a bit more force to things.  I found that a pair of fencing plyers work great for pulling the retaining clip. of course that's when ya don't have the spring compressor in there....lol