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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 128
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 128 |
While I have adjusted valves many times I always wonder how I have done on the job. It seems that the amount of drag on the feeler strip determines the result. It must be an art and only experience helps one learn. If you tell me a light drag on the feeler it is so subjective that my result would differ from some one else. I guess I would need an expert to do the job and then feel their work. And experts are rare.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,379 Likes: 1
Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
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Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,379 Likes: 1 |
The basic rule is that the valves are better off by being too wide rather than too close. With that criteria, I would set the valves when the clearance allows the feeler gage to enter easily and come out with some or no drag.  
RAY Chevradioman http://www.vccacolumbiariverregion.org/1925 Superior K Roadster 1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet 1933 Eagle, Coupe 1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe 1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan 1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible 2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van 2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ 2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road. Death is the number 1 killer in the world.
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 885
ChatMaster - 750
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ChatMaster - 750
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 885 |
LooseRocker.
To ease your mind, you might try the go-no-go method. If clearance calls for .010, set it at that and than try a .011 guage. If that goes through, than its too loose, but if it doesn't go, than you have it set at .010.
I have done it this way for years and love the results, especially for my pea brain. Good luck.
Jim.
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149 Likes: 42
ChatMaster - 6,000
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ChatMaster - 6,000
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149 Likes: 42 |
LooseRocker
Ray is correct, a little valve chatter is much better than burnt out valves.
The slight drag is an acquired feel though.
Tony
1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,178
ChatMaster - 1,000
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ChatMaster - 1,000
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,178 |
If the feeler gage blade looks like something tried to eat it, then the valve is to tight. When I purchased my first car a neat 38 trwo door it ran very quiet, by the time I had owned the car a week and with my lead foot style of driving I had burned exhaust valves as they were set way to tight. I had the head rebuilt, the mechanic told me to set exhaust valves .o1 to .02 looser than spec. Never have had a burned valve since. 
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 11,162
ChatMaster - 10,000
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ChatMaster - 10,000
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 11,162 |
I found that if the feeler gauge comes out with dimples in it the rocker arms are worn into the valve stems (a half moon shape) and the rockers need to be dressed on a bench grinder fine stone or a belt grinder (220 grit belt) or replaced with new smooth ones.
When I owned a gunshop I would build up the rocker arms valve stem ends with nickle steel rod using an acc. gas torch then finish dressing them down with my verticle belt metal sander. Any more I buy rockers at swap meets and keep them for when I need them.
Life's a long winding trail, love Jesus and ride a good horse!
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,774 Likes: 4
ChatMaster - 1,500
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ChatMaster - 1,500
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,774 Likes: 4 |
Ray is right, they are way better on the loose side and MrMack is right too, you can't do a decent job of setting the clearance if the rocker arms have wear from contacting the valve stems. I have always thought that the chevy specs were a little on the tight side for high speed driving, especially the exhaust valves.
Ed
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