I know there are two ways to set valve lash...1 with the engine running (which I know how to do) and then another way in which yo do it with out the engine running. I am finding that the TBI unit is just too noisy for me to listen for the "tapping" when the engine is running so I want to learn how to set this with the car not running...any suggestions??

Dave

 

Do you have a manual*Haynes)?I use one of those rubber grip tools to turn the turn the engine over..

Daz

 

Its basically placing the valves on the base circle of the cam.Or in simpler terms..Rotate the engine until you hit no 1 TDC then adjust the first 16 valves..Haynes will tell you which ones.Then rotate the enngine 360 then you tighten the remaining 16 valves...I like mine at a snug1/4 turn

Daz

 

Thanks man...I guess checking the manuals would have been the easiest/most logical thing for me to do since two I have sitting on a shelf in my garage right next to my car!

Thanks,
Dave

 

The easiest way to adjust valves is the way i am going to explain, it is much more accurate, especially if you have an engine that's been rebuilt etc and modified.....TDC on the balancer isnt always true TDC....

I do them like this... i go through each cylinder individually in this order....

-If the intake valve is open, adjust the exhaust
-If the exhaust valve is open, adjust the intake

I rotate the engine by "clicking" the starter & do each cylinder this way.

When the pushrod just gets a little contact with the rocker, and the spring in the lifter compresses just a tad, the pushrod will require a LITTLE BID more force to spin, as in it wont spin freely.....after this contact tighten 1/2 turn.

This has always worked for me with no problems.....of course it would be better to adjust the rockers when the engine is warm, not hot. Good Luck......and remember to disconnect your coil wire when adjusting