PDA

View Full Version : Chevy Valve Adjustment



Aquaholic
10-03-2001, 05:26 AM
What is the correct way to set the lash on a new build? Im putting together a small block chevy and want to seal the motor up before i fire it up. Is there a way to set the lash on new lifters cold? I have a hydraulic cam. Thanks for the input.

LeE ss13
10-03-2001, 11:56 AM
Write down the firing order. 1 8 4 3 6 5 7 2. Rotate the engine clockwise from the front until #6 cylinder is in overlap. That's where the Exhaust lifter is going down and the Intake lifter is going up. When they are both the same height the timing mark should be at about "0". Tighten down the rocker arms on #1 cylinder until there is no play. (remember if the lifters are new there will be no oil in them and they will compress so just tighten them until everything just touches. Turn each rocker arm (intake and exhaust) down 1/2 turn more. That should compress a new lifter about 1/8th of an inch. Rotate the engine 1/4 of a turn and that should bring up #5 in overlap and adjust #8. Each cylinder has its opposite. Just follow the firing order and turn the engine 1/4 turn each time. Overlap #6 to adjust #1. Overlap #5 to adjust #8. Overlap #7 to adjust #4. Overlap #2 to adjust #3. Overlap #1 to adjust #6. Overlap #8 to adjust #5. Overlap #4 to adjust #7. Overlap #3 to adjust #2.

Racing Ray
10-03-2001, 03:27 PM
.
[This message has been edited by Racing Ray (edited March 12, 2002).]

Boater Bill
10-04-2001, 08:50 AM
Geez Ray, don't they make noise like crazy with no preload? Also, do you consider resistance felt on the push rod to be zero lash or do you want the push rod tight, not able to rotate. Thanks.

Racing Ray
10-04-2001, 03:12 PM
.
[This message has been edited by Racing Ray (edited March 12, 2002).]

Aquaholic
10-04-2001, 08:20 PM
Okay, So once I get my lifter on its base I tighen down the rocker untill The Pushrod makes contact with the lifter. Then go 1/4 turn more. Done?

Racing Ray
10-05-2001, 02:07 AM
.
[This message has been edited by Racing Ray (edited March 12, 2002).]

LeE ss13
10-05-2001, 06:31 AM
And another thing. Get or make an Oil Pump Primer and a 1/2" drill motor. Run it until every rocker arm has oil coming up from the push rods. It may take 30 minutes. Turn the engine 180 degrees once in a while. What ever you do, don't cheat on this. Especially if the camshaft is New. When this is done, the lifters will be pumped up and the engine should start up clean. (with little lifter noise)
-----
LeE ss13

Racing Ray
10-05-2001, 03:19 PM
.
[This message has been edited by Racing Ray (edited March 12, 2002).]

superdave013
10-06-2001, 12:22 AM
Originally posted by Racing Ray:
Follow the Manufacturers directions on cam break-in!!!!! Edlebrock insists that you do NOT pump up lifters prior to start up!! I did this as I always have and now the cam is flat and the 454 sets on the garage floor full of ground metal. Edlebrock insists it happened because I primed the engine before starting. Most cam companies do recommend priming. I know it sounds weird but Edlebrock even includes a sheet saying not to even soak the lifters in oil.
One more reason not to buy that edlebrock crap. (sorry Scott H because I know you know who I am!) Sorry just never heard of that one before! Ray, sounds like it's time to get a Clay Smith cam in that baby and not have any more troubles.

Racing Ray
10-06-2001, 03:42 AM
.
[This message has been edited by Racing Ray (edited March 12, 2002).]