Willys53
Well-Known Member
Just wondering if anyone still adjusts valves( solid lifters) with the engine idling ? I saw this done years ago and just wondering if it is a bad practice and why ?!
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Valve adjustment
- Thread starter Willys53
- Start date
depends if the specified clearances are hot or cold. on some engines it can be messy doing it hot with the engine running and if you have to take a bunch of wiring or other stuff off in order to remove the valve cover/s. i don't know of any modern engines that use a hot spec but somebody correct me if i'm wrong.
Willys53
Well-Known Member
Does the clearance tighten up or get looser when hot ?
It would tighten cause of the expansion due to heat.
Willys53
Well-Known Member
I dont think any engines need to be adjusted when running , I just remember an old mechanic doing that in the 70s on farm tractors. I guess no need to find TDC that way lol
Willys53
Well-Known Member
Ya i know he had some angled feelers and a big cigar in his mouth lol
Truck Shop
Senior Member
Hell I adjusted solid lifters idling years ago, Fords with FE Blocks and the 170 and 200 six cylinder engines. With a vacuum gauge hooked up you can watch the rise. On most of those engines
it was the only way to get them quiet. I had a spring loaded screw driver with tangs on the end to keep it from slipping off.
it was the only way to get them quiet. I had a spring loaded screw driver with tangs on the end to keep it from slipping off.
JPV
Senior Member
I like adjusting small block Chevys running, you can get little clips to plug the oil holes in the rocker arms to keep the oil from splattering everything. Loosen them till they click then tighten till they get quiet plus a hair more, works good. I know some guys cut a slot in old valve covers to do the same thing, that works good too.
funwithfuel
Senior Member
Old mopar slants and the high winding 340 had to adjust running. My grandfather did it, I watched him, never could quite get the hang of it. I inherited his feelers, poor things are beat to death.
That sounds like an exceptionally frustrating method to attempt on what I work on. I don’t like turning the engine over by hand any more than anybody else but this sounds rough. Not only is the oil going everywhere but the big fan is blowing hot air all in your face...no thanks.
Birken Vogt
Charter Member
And threatening to cut your fingers off with a moment of inattention
The old stove bolt six Chevys were like that. My old man had the tool and the skill, wrench handle to turn the lock nut, spring loaded round knurled handle with a straight screwdriver blade for the adjuster screw. Really enjoyed watching him run those valves on the neighbor's old panel about 45 years ago now, lol. He was grinning too!
Truck Shop
Senior Member
It's not that big of a deal to adjust while idling. No two hydraulic lifters are the same, it's easy to end up with a tight valve doing it statically. The old Ford 352's, 390's, 406's and 427's
were solid lifters. Set statically they sounded like a type writer, set them running you could barely hear them and those engines ran smoother too. Valve timing was right on.
Now how many have set tappets in a Buick Straight 8 Flat Head or Flat Head V-8 Ford, those you can't run but everything is upside down.
were solid lifters. Set statically they sounded like a type writer, set them running you could barely hear them and those engines ran smoother too. Valve timing was right on.
Now how many have set tappets in a Buick Straight 8 Flat Head or Flat Head V-8 Ford, those you can't run but everything is upside down.
Willys53
Well-Known Member
Thats what im talking about !!! Love the stories
92U 3406
Senior Member
I was working on a 350 SBC build last winter. I had a b**** of a time getting a socket on the adjustment nut of the Comp roller rockers. Couldn't imagine trying to jam a socket on them while running. Maybe stock Chevy rocker are different? I've never actually seen OEM valvetrain on a SBC lol.
kenh
Senior Member
DO NOT attempt to adj, Ford Flathead with engine running.... the intake manifold has to be removed first. (V-8).
Also no adjustment, solid lifter stock, adjustable available after market.
I have chased some valves up/dow, engine running, slinging oil. Be fore starting job usually muttered _)(***#I$%)^%*.
Got worse as job progessed
Also no adjustment, solid lifter stock, adjustable available after market.
I have chased some valves up/dow, engine running, slinging oil. Be fore starting job usually muttered _)(***#I$%)^%*.
Got worse as job progessed
Truck Shop
Senior Member
No kidding. You left out Fords early two piece valve guides.