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Discussion Topic:
adjusting valves without removing heads
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carcrazy |
07-12-2016 @ 1:09 PM
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Senior
Posts: 1668
Joined: Oct 2009
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If all of the valve clearances are too tight here is one trick that might work without removing the heads. 1. Remove the intake manifold. 2. Clean out the valve chamber valley the best you can. 3. Place butcher (or similar) paper sheets in the valley around the tappets. 4. Place the easy-to-remove kind of masking tape around all of the tappets and run the tape to the paper so that no gaps exist. 5. Measure the clearance between each valve stem and it's tappet when the tappet is all the way down. 6. With a one-sided ignition file, file the end of the valve stem until the correct clearance is obtained. 7. Once all of the valves have been adjusted, clean the valve chamber to remove all of the filings. 8. Remove all of the tape and paper. 9. Reinstall the intake manifold and all of the other parts required to gain access to it.
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cliftford |
07-12-2016 @ 9:34 AM
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Senior
Posts: 845
Joined: Jan 2014
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Whichever way you adjust them, try to find a set of go/no go feeler guages,they make the job easier. Check the clearances before you do anything . Are the valves excessively noisy or is there some other reason to adjust them?
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TomO |
07-12-2016 @ 8:52 AM
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Senior
Posts: 7256
Joined: Oct 2009
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Unless your engine was rebuilt wit adjustable lifters, you will have to remove the heads and grind the valves or stems to adjust them. If it as rebuilt with adjustable lifters, you will need the special tools to hold the lifters in place and a small thin wrench with 7/16" openings on both ends. Instructions can be found in the Shop Manual that is reprinted and available from most vendors.
Tom
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pauls39coupe |
07-12-2016 @ 8:49 AM
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Member
Posts: 205
Joined: Jul 2014
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If you have adjustable lifters, they can be adjusted by removing the intake manifold. You will need a feeler gage, a thin 7/16 inch wrench and a tool or method of keeping the lifter from turning. The proper method can be found in the "green book", or an older Chilton's or Motors Manual. If you have the original Ford lifters the heads must come off and the valves removed. The valve gap is then set by grinding the stem end to increase the gap, or grinding the seat/valve to decrease the gap. This is a job for someone with the proper tools and experience.
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missouriron |
07-11-2016 @ 4:46 PM
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Member
Posts: 27
Joined: Jun 2011
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I am trying to adjust the valves on my 1952 8RT engine. Is it possible? If so, where can I find instructions? Thanks Ron
Ron
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