The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop '57 235 hydraulic lifter adjustment

Inherited this I-6 that was completely disassembled and supposedly rebuilt. Everything looks new inside but it appears to have hydraulic lifters (the insides move up and down when pressing on them with a push rod). I don't see any reference in the shop manual as to how one properly adjusts these lifters. Only solid lifters are addressed.

Do I adjust to zero lash plus one turn like the V-8's? Or do I simply collapse the inward portion of the lifter and set lash then? Or what? The manual is of no help.

http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/valveadjustment.htm

down towards the bottom, it says,

"It has been brought to my attention that I didn't give the final adjust for hydraulics -- Tighten down until no noise is heard (use a section of hose to your ear and to the tappet if needed) then tighten one(1) complete turn."

Just a note of interest that someone can expand on or shoot down. I am under the impression that the cam made for solid and hydraulic lifters are different and don't interchange. If that is true then I would think you would need to take the time to check that cam to make sure it's the right kind.
Now to see what the gear heads say.

The truck Shop Manuals only describe procedures for truck engines.
Because, hydraulic lifters were only used on car 235 engines.

49-53 Car Shop Manual - hydraulic lifters 50-53
1955 Car Shop Manual - 6 cylinder

Yes the cam profile is different for solid and hydraulic lifters. Very different. The "ramps" are what matters. The lift and duration can be much the same, but the way the lifter is accelerated matters a lot.There are some very good Tech Tips for adjusting both types. Do a search.

Here is how the adjustment is described in the GM manual. GM Manual Hydraulic Lifter Adjustment

Somehow my 59' truck motor has hydro lifters

somehow the engine may have been changed in the last 57 years, have you checked the numbers on it? or maybe it's also got a hydramatic trans?

Bill

Trucks with Hydra-Matic transmissions did not come from the factory with 235s with hydraulic lifters.

All Powerglide-equipped car 235s had hydraulic lifters.
All car 235s from 1956 onwards had hydraulic lifters.

However, all 235s from 1958 onwards were set up for hydraulic lifters.
Someone could have placed hydraulic lifters into this 1959 truck 235.

Trucks that came equipped with a Powerglide transmission in 1960 and later might have had hydraulic lifters.

What is the Engine Serial Number in your 1959 235, biglou? (it is pressed into the block to the rear of the distributor).
What is the block date casting code?