|
Author
|
Topic: Valve adjustment
|
Harley
Gearhead Posts: 131
From:
Registered: Jul 99
|
posted 05-14-2001 12:17 AM
  
I've installed a new cam in my 351W, and it's slight step up from the stock cam.Will this change the way the valves should be adjusted? A guy who's helping with this project is having trouble adjusting the valves, and he says it may need different nuts on the studs. Does that sound right? I also had the heads freshened up, with hard seats, etc., but the machinist said the stock valve springs were plenty good enough for the new cam.
IP: Logged |
richard bohm
Gearhead Posts: 373
From: tucson,az-luray,va
Registered: May 2001
|
posted 05-14-2001 05:10 AM
if you have hydraulic lifters then the valve adjustment procedure should be as follows,
for each cylinder bring the piston to tdc on the compression stroke. tighten the adjusting nut untill you have no more up and dowm movement of the push rod. some people suggest turning the pushrod while tightening the nut but sometimes you can turn the pushrod untill all the lifter travel is used up. when you get to that point then turn the adjusting nut 1/4 to 1/2 turn more. after you start the motor then (at idle) fine tune the adjustment. you may get other replies but this is how i do it.
IP: Logged |
steve'66
Gearhead Posts: 8796
From: Sonoma,CA,USA
Registered: Mar 2000
|
posted 05-14-2001 10:21 AM
Harley,351w heads do not have adjustable rockers. Crane makes a kit with locknuts and thick hardened washers, that will allow you to adjust the rockers/valves. This is probably what your helper is thinking of. With the "kit" you can adjust them like Richard suggests. SteveW
IP: Logged |
Harley
Gearhead Posts: 131
From:
Registered: Jul 99
|
posted 05-14-2001 01:50 PM
I just got a copy of Tom Monroe's book (How to Rebuild Small-Block Ford Engines), and he says (on page 118) that on a 351W it should take 1 to 1.8 turns.I've also heard others say it'll take a half-turn. Mine seems to take about one-and-a-half. I'm not sure where to go from here.
IP: Logged |
steve'66
Gearhead Posts: 8796
From: Sonoma,CA,USA
Registered: Mar 2000
|
posted 05-14-2001 02:01 PM
Harley,What heads do you have on it? The early 351w heads w/ original studs are not adjustable. They use a 5/16 nut that is tightened against the 3/8" dia portion of the stud. You can convert it with Crane's kit, or by changing studs. SteveW
IP: Logged |
Harley
Gearhead Posts: 131
From:
Registered: Jul 99
|
posted 05-14-2001 02:08 PM
Original heads. Original valve springs, which I was told are strong enough for the new cam.
IP: Logged |
steve'66
Gearhead Posts: 8796
From: Sonoma,CA,USA
Registered: Mar 2000
|
posted 05-14-2001 02:15 PM
Harley,The springs are ok. If you try to leave the nuts loose they'll loosen up! Get some self-locking 5/16 fine threaded nuts at the very least, or double nut them. Adjusting hydraulic lifters on the loose side (1/4-1/2 turn into the lifter) is better for high rpms because if the lifter pumps up it can only be 1/4-1/2 turn too tight.  SteveW
IP: Logged |
Mustangsandmore Forums
UBBFriend: Email This Page to Someone! 
