setting valve lash

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Sep 18, 2007 | 02:06 PM

hellbilly1932

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Joined: Feb 2007

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From: San Diego

setting valve lash

I am trying to reassenble my 292 and having some trouble with the valve lash. This is my first time doing a valve adjustment on an engine with solid lifters and push rods (my motorcycle has a similar rocker arm set up but it is an OHC design) I am following the instructions from my 1959 ford truck shop manual, a reprint from C & G Early Ford parts which reads:

Set #1 at TDC on comp stroke then adjust
#1-Ex #1-In
#4-Ex #2-In
#5-Ex #7-In

Rotate crank 1/2 turn to bring #4 to TDC then adjust
#6-Ex #4-In
#8-Ex #5-In

Rotate crank 3/4 turn to bring #3 to TDC then adjust
#2-Ex #3-In
#3-Ex #6-In
#7-Ex #8-In

This is for the cold setting at .019

When I do it this way and get it done some of the push rods are so lose at points throughout the turn of the crank that they just fall down and are not in contact with the rocker arms. Actually its alll of them at some point.

Does this make since?

all my parts are still with the same cylinder from when it was torn down, nothing was mixed up, all push rods stright and same length. It just dont seem right to have the push rod get so loose that the little cupped end falls away from the rocker arm.

Sep 18, 2007 | 03:39 PM

RCA78SS

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Joined: Jan 2004

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Check to make certain #1 is on the compression stroke. #1 is passenger side front, by the way. Remove all spark plugs and have a helper hold their thumb on the #1 spark plug hole while you rotate the crankshaft clockwise. They should be able to feel pressure as the #1 piston begins its compression stroke. Stop at TDC and follow the instructions you already have.

Sep 18, 2007 | 05:55 PM

hellbilly1932

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Joined: Feb 2007

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From: San Diego

Ok nevermind, I got to stop smoking crack for breakfast! Thanks guys.

Sep 22, 2007 | 02:18 PM

HT32BSX115

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Joined: Feb 2005

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From: Upper Left Coast

If you don't have the "lock-nut" type rockers you can adjust with the engine running.

It's a little messy but it works.

Oct 26, 2008 | 11:58 AM

mr1955truckman

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Joined: Oct 2008

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Problems with my 1955 Ford Truck

hey guys! i have tried to make a valve lash adjustment on my 1955 ford truck. The problem is that my rocker is still noisy for some reason. The truck manual says .16 on intake and .18 exhaust which is right but i have adjusted them at .19 both like shop manual says. Which one is right I can't figure it out. email me at my grandaughters email address Caleighhhx46@aim.com. Please help! Thank you.

Oct 26, 2008 | 01:44 PM

flipklos

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 2,095

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From: Wahpeton ND

.19 is cold lash for inital break in
.16/.18 are hot lashes, and are done after a good warm up period.
If you just rebuilt the engine set it at .19 till after run in is complete.
I set mine at .16 by rotating the crank 1/2 turn 4 times and looking for play.

Oct 26, 2008 | 06:14 PM

46yblock

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Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 2,688

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From: Southern Oregon

It is very possible the rockers havent been replaced or reserviced for many thousands of miles. If that is the case, they WILL have wear pockets at their end from valve contact. You can adjust the valves perfectly by feeler gauge, and they still will be extra loose by the depth of the pockets. So while you are in there take one of the adjusters all the way out and run a finger on the contact surface, or use a dentist's mirror and take a look at the end of one, to get an idea of their condition. They all will be basically the same with regards to wear.

Any auto machine shop can resurface them for not much, especially if you dissassemble the rockers yourself.