So today I pulled the valve cover and measured the valve clearances. I must say I'm surprised and wanted to run some things past you all.
I started from #1 cylinder at TDC and worked backwards. Using bent feeler gauges I measured all valves from cylinders 1-3 at .508 mm - bringing each to the TDC position (per the position of the camshaft). Cylinder #4 measured at .457mm on both valves.
Haynes calls for .40 mm at stone cold temperature. Would so many valves measuring so much clearance be considered "normal".
1987 740 GLE non-turbo B230F 200,000 milesThe engine is clackety - so I could see why. I just thought maybe 1 or
2 valves might be out of spec, not so many.I also changed the valve cover gasket, re-gapped the plugs and changed the oil.