The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Turning Engine over to set valves

1958, 235 on a fresh rebuild.

Anyone with suggestions for turning it over by hand so I can set the valves? I used to just use the fan blades and turn it over before the rebuild, but it won't budge now! The motor is in the truck, all spark plugs are out, I've primed the oil. I just have to set the valves, check initial timing and hook up all the electrical and I can start it up for break-in.

If you've got room to do it, put the transmission in high gear and roll the truck forward gently to advance the engine to top dead center for the next cylinder. I just grab a front wheel and rock it forward a little at a time while I watch the rocker arms. Another way is to use a long screwdriver or a pry bar between the firewall and the start pedal linkage. Make quick taps of the link to bump the starter over a little at a time.
Jerry

A 1/2 inch or a 3/4 inch ratchet (I can't remember which) should engage the center of the harmonic damper.

Some (not all) late model 235 dampers will accept a 3/4" drive ratchet or extension. That's IF there's enough room between the damper and the radiator to turn a wrench.
Jerry

I installed my battery and hooked up the wiring so the starter could bump it over. That worked well enough to use the Companion method of valve adjustment and I got it done. Thank you for the suggestions Gents!

I have used a remote start switch, just connect it to starter motor and your battery. You can usually find one at most auto parts stores, I think it was less than $20.00.

I haven't found a remote start switch that can push the pedal on a stovebolt six foot starter yet. If you're using a solenoid type starter from a car, that's a different discussion.
Jerry

I pull all the spark plugs first, then the distributor cap, install Thexton. Since I tapped the end of the crank with a retaining bolt, it is easy to rotate the crank and adjust the intake and exhaust of the same cylinder when the rotor is pointing right on the cylinder firing order on the Thexton.

Put the 2 bolts in the harmonic balancer that you use for removing it. Then use your pry bar to turn it over

I like that tip right there!

Shade tree trick- - - - -if you can find a bottle of "white-out" that's not dried up, put a dab on the distributor housing by each spark plug wire tower- - - -it does the same thing as that Thexton tool, at no cost. A sharpie mark works, for those of you too young to remember what white-out was used for!

After the blond secretary finished using the computer, there used to be white-out all over the monitor screen!
LOL!
Jerry

A pair of vise grips makes a good remote starter switch for foot pedal starters.
George

I already got it all done, but I like that tip aswell!

Works great if you dont have a fan installed otherwise a knuckle buster.

I use a long screwdriver or a short pry bar between the cab and the pedal linkage to bump the starter during a valve adjustment.
Jerry

One of these days, I am going to apply myself and design and fabricate a handy pry tool which captures just the big lever which parallels the toe board so that I don't scratch the paint off the toe board with my pry bar.

I found that a wooden 2 x 2 a couple feet long works good for engaging the starter. Wrap a towel around to protect the paint if needed.

Slip a short piece of heater hose over the end of the pry bar- - - - -problem solved!
Jerry

I need something to keep me off the street. Do your civic duty and allow me to make something which takes a fair amount of time to create. Society, in general, will greatly benefit.