I have just finished replacing the o-ring seals on the intake and exhaust valves as well as the lower intake valve seal on my ’91 Formula (5.7L) When I set the valve lash, I put #1 cylinder at TDC and adjusted the appropriate valves. I twisted the rod between my fingers and tightened the nut until I felt resistance then tightened an additional ¾ of a turn. This is what the manual that I am using said to do (it is a Hayes like you buy at Farm & Fleet or Autozone.) But when I started the car, there is a clicking noise that wasn’t there before I messed with the valves. It doesn’t sound like it is coming from any one cylinder either. It is equally as loud on the right side as the left side. One thing I noticed in the manual for my ’93 Chevy pickup (5.7L) is that they say on V6’s and small block V8’s to tighten the valve nut 1 full turn and on big block V8’s to only tighten ¾ of a turn? Is my Firebird manual wrong? Can anyone help me out on this problem or give me some advice. Thanks.

-Chris

 

In My experiance, ITs alot easier To do while the car Is running, If not a little messy.


Pull off the dirver side cover and fire the car up to idle. start at the front and work your way back rocker by rocker. loosen till it starts to tap ( its very audible ) and tighten it till it just stops, then 1/4 turn more.

Once one side is Done, Go Do the other.

Ive also done it they way you describe, and the first time I ever did it, it worked fine.

But I could never get it right after that.

I have a highrise valve cover with the top chopped off for doing this w/o the Mess, Something you may want to look into if you plan on working on your valvetrain alot




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60 Ranchero - Project ( Money Hole )
85 Sport Coupe LG4 - Daily Driver

Just another Hot Rod kid, or thats what they all tell me.
Livin' the Stereotype

 

Don't listen to Bort, I tried it his way. I almost chopped my finger off with my P38 (military can opener) when I was trying to remove the top of my valve cover. I figured, I'd need to adjust them frequently!!!

Then, of all things, tuxedo got all messy with the spray. Actually, it reminded me of the beach, except instead of being a nice saline spray it was oily, kind of like after the Exxon Valdez, those poor animals........

 

rotfl gruv, You did it wearing a tux ? Would have made a great picture!


and P38 is a plane I dunno about can openers.... hahhahaha


Okay, TIP Don't wear expensive cloths when adjusting lash, and Cover your fenders with Towels.


In all honesty, It dosent spay much at all unless you go revving it up.


And its a good way to check to see if all your lifters are oilin properly!



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60 Ranchero - Project ( Money Hole )
85 Sport Coupe LG4 - Daily Driver

Just another Hot Rod kid, or thats what they all tell me.
Livin' the Stereotype

 

I'm so classy I always work in a tux. They're a little more expensive than coveralls, but man, the impression you make is great.

What I did, is drained all of the oil so that there was no spray when it was running. I figure it would be better for the atmosphere not having the oil sprayed in the air like that. I'm real enviornmentally friendly!!

On a serious note, I've tried adjusting my valves several ways. The way the manual does it is easiest, and you only end up having to turn the engine over once or twice instead of a bazillion times....and you won't ruin your tux.