Another valve setting question........curious

[Mike Taylor 3601]

Was valve gapper, tool that shows lash on dial indicator?
Here in Ky. we usaully use wore out hack saw blades to set valves.LOL
Biggest problem I see is guys won't check valves,I tell customers to check every week,that they should'nt have to adjust them,but as preventive mantainance,and look at springs,retainers,etc.
Then a couple years later they tell me or hear them tell how good engine is and how they never even had a valve cover off.
Mike Taylor 3601

[BlueOval Ralph]

Yes it showed actual lash on dial bumped motor over with starter button and watch dial

[Paul Merolla]

The P&G tool seems to be the most accurate way to accomplish this...why is it not the norm anymore?

[Alan Roehrich]

There are a couple of companies now offering a dial indicator type lash setting tool. Set up properly, it gives the most accurate lash reading, as it removes "feel" from the process. I find that my "feel" usually yields a tighter setting than most people. Not saying that is correct, just making a comment.

[bert powell]

I agree Alan, my "feel" is on the tight side also. The number is not important as much as doing a lash loop to find what the engine wants. The key is to be consistant with your settings or "feel".

[BlueOval Ralph]

Alan
Can you post the companys that are making them and are the like the P & G do they attach to the retainer?
Thanks

[Alan Roehrich]

The only one I can find right now is made by Cam Correct, and sold by Competition Products.

It is not the only one, there is at least one more, but I can't find it right now.

[Jim B]

PMS (Precision Measurement Supply) in Texas sells one that runs in the area of $250. If I remember correctly it's a good piece (uses a Starrett dial indicator) but you would have to ask around for a recommendation since I have not used theirs personally. I don't think their design can be used with a stud girdle.

[Alan Roehrich]

Originally Posted by Jim B

PMS (Precision Measurement Supply) in Texas sells one that runs in the area of $250. If I remember correctly it's a good piece (uses a Starrett dial indicator) but you would have to ask around for a recommendation since I have not used theirs personally. I don't think their design can be used with a stud girdle.

That's the other unit I was thinking of.

I like his stuff, I have several pieces that he makes.

I'm betting that if it will not work with a stud girdle, that if the demand is there, he'll make every effort to make something work. He's a driven problem solver, he loves the challenge of finding the best way to do something well, and faster.

[Marine One]

Everyone likes to experiment with valve timing, so methods vary depending on what you are trying to accomplish with the iron in your engine. With that said, the following is a very simple procedure to start out with that eliminates countless engine bumps and allot of frustration. Just rotate the engine twice, knocking out half the valves at each stop. Simple, effective and proven.

Identify cyl 1 at TDC (piston at the top of the power stroke with both valves closed). Mark it on the damper.

Rotate engine in direction of standard rotation to remove any lash and stop at your mark. If you overshoot the mark, do not back up, just go around in standard rotation again until you hit it.

Install pushrods and rockers with rocker adjustment screws out (max lash).
Evenly torque your rocker arms to spec.

Gently remove lash between rocker arms and pushrods by slowly tightening the adjustment screws.

At this point without rotating the engine any farther, you should be able to adjust 4 exhaust and 4 intake valves. Your firing order depends on which valves get adjusted.

Rotate the engine in standard rotation again a full 360 degrees, stopping on your “TDC” mark, being mindful not to overshoot the mark..

At this point you should be able to adjust the remaining 4 exhaust and 4 intake valves.

Hope this helps!