The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Adjusted Valves Now Won't Start

Aloha Kimo,E komo mai! Since I am the one that wrote the tech tip I felt I should possibly respond on this. This old 235's are simple and very forgiving. Just ask me I know, I have had them "forgive me" a lot. The first thing you need to know is - what engine are you working on- meaning, don't just assume it is a 235 with solids just because it is in yer old truck.

"* If you don't know whether you have solids or hydraulics -- Pull the rocker cover, loosen one rocker, pull the push rod, drop the side cover off, pull that lifter. Now take it to a machinist or mechanic and ask him which it is. OR, once you have the lifter in hand look to see if it has a hole in the cup (top) end and will push down in the center, if it does, it is hydraulic, if not it is solid."

I tried to make the Tech Tip as simple as possible and yet make sure it was correct. 6 and 13 are spot on for the normal pickup 235. The reason I didn't include setting the valves while the engine is running is because most novice mechanics can't get the hang of it right off and I wanted to make it simple but sure for them. By far my prefered way of setting the valves (final adjust) is while the engine is running. (Yes, you can feel the engine "come to life") That was a great story, Kemo, about your wifes car and your truck. I enjoyed it a lot. Mahalo nui loa!!!

Tab, I don't think your problem is in your valves.(unless you have adjusted some exhausts as intakes- does happen) Sounds to me that the problem is in the carb or air intake someplace. Once you set the valves at 6 and 13 cold and start the engine and let it run for 30 minutes it will loosen up (sometime a lot) and then you want to reset the valves. Even to tight a 235 will start and run, maybe not great and will possibly soon bend a push rod. But it will run. It seems that the initial problem wasn't the valves but something to do with the carb or intake. Cold adjust the vavles as per the Tech Tip and then check the timing and make sure you are getting proper fire to the plugs. If it doesn't fire up and run then it is in the carb/intake. Take one thing at a time and make sure it is correct and you will eliminate all but the culprit that is causing the problem. There are many carb and intake guys on this site that would be willing to assist you in fixing it. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.