testing valve clearance

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Jun 14, 2004 | 12:04 PM

handx2

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From: river ridge,La

testing valve clearance

i did a compression test on my 292 and the #4 cylinder tested 135 lbs, and thats ten pounds less than the average.i can also hear a tapping noise coming from that cylinder.someone suggested that i check my valve clearance.i`ve never done this before,and i`m not sure where to start.would you guys mind telling me what to do?your help would be very much appreciated

Jun 16, 2004 | 11:02 AM

bigjack

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From: N Ga. Mountains

You can check the valve lifter clearance by removing the valve cover and using a feeler gage. About 25 years ago I reinstalled the heads on a 292 and set the clearance with the engine running. I don't remember what the clearance setting is but you can find that in a manual. A chiltons manual will have the procedure for setting valve clearance.

Jun 17, 2004 | 08:33 AM

bigjack

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From: N Ga. Mountains

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=53576

Jun 17, 2004 | 09:10 PM

handx2

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From: river ridge,La

thanks for the replies big jack,i`ve already set the backlash.what i want to do is find out how much space i have between my valve and piston at the top of the compression stroke.do you know how i can test that? ..........wayne

Jun 18, 2004 | 10:46 AM

bigjack

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From: N Ga. Mountains

No but as long as you haven't dropped a valve the valve to piston clearance should be ok. If you had dropped a valve I would think it would cause more than a little tapping. Sorry I can't be of more help.

Jun 18, 2004 | 12:55 PM

William

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From: Sun River St. George

Easiest way to check if the valve lash is out of adjustment is to take off the rocker cover, start the engine, insert a .005 feeler gage between the rocker and valve. If the noise stopps that lifter needs adjusting. I think you may have a clogged/sticky lifter. Try this first! Add a quart of ATF, let the engine idle for 10 minutes and change oil and filter. This flushes a lot of crud out of the engine and sometimes will free up a sticky lifter. Some use marvel mystery oil, same principle just more expensive. I do the ATF trick on all engines with more than 50K miles each time I change the engine oil.

Jun 18, 2004 | 07:25 PM

handx2

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From: river ridge,La

thanks william,the engine was rebuilt just over a thousand miles ago.hopefully there isn`t any buildup to flush.i didn`t find a receipt showing that my crank was polished.the guy told me that he was going to but i never heard any more about it.i was able to use standard rebuild kit for everything.if the crank wasn`t polished and ate up the new bearing,would that cause a tapping noise?would there be any other symptoms?thanks for the help..........wayne