VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION New User Forum Valves adjust

Hey, since it’s difficult to adjust the valves while the engine is running on my 38 (216 engine) I was wondering if I could run it til it’s hot and then turn it off and adjust them while it’s still hot?
I know it has to be hot but Does it HAVE to be running ?

No, it does not need to be running. However running does give you the best settings. If you do it not running you need to work quickly so you get them all adjusted while everything is at operating temperature. Some people stop at the halfway post and let the engine run awhile to get things back to operating temperature.

Whether you do it running or not I find it really is a lot easier and much quicker with 2 people. One person is on the right side of the car making the adjustment and one person is on the left with the feeler gauges checking the clearances.

Note that you are getting good responses to your other post.

I agree that cold vs hot is not a real issue with these older engines. The primary difference is that you might hear a little more or less valve clatter when cold vs hot. It will not affect performance. In modern higher speed engines with more aggressive cam timing it can be a factor.

A key point is that whichever method you use you do not want to get the valve clearance too small, especially on the exhaust valves.

If all parts such as the block, head and PUSH RODS are the same temperature hot or cold is OK. During the warm-up period the iron parts get hot before the push rods and valve train and the valve clearance is greater.
Hot with the engine running is still the must accurate.