The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Stupid Question #46 - Valve adjustment

I have looked over the tech tip regarding valve adjustment, and have searched the previous posts, but I cannot find an answer to this question. Let me first state that the last time I tried doing this on my '59, I managed to burn a valve.

Now I understand what the tech tip states, but suppose you are a little nervous and want to do this slowly, carefully, and are scared to death of setting too tight and burning valves.

So (finally) my question is this; If I take the adjustment cylinder by cylinder (hot of course) can I presume that if, say on cylinder #1, the exhaust valve is fully open, that I could set the #1 intake at that point? Is it correct to presume if one valve is on the high point of a lobe that the other valve must be fully closed, and thus on the low point of the cam lobe?

Have mercy. Keep the tomatoes and empty beer cans down to a minimum, please!

I would not make such a presumption. The best way I've found is method #3 in the tech tip.


"#3 General (Engine NOT running) -- "I have a trick I use every day at work to set valves on inline 6 cyl. motors. Chevrolet and John Deere firing orders are the same: 153624. Set the motor to fire on #1. Set the lash on 1E, 1I, 2I, 3E, 4I and 5E. Then rotate crankshaft one revolution. #6 should be in firing position. Set lash on #6E, 6I, 5I, 4E, 3I, 2E. Your valves are all set, and it only took about 5 or 10 minutes. Remember exhaust valves are on the ends of the head, and they look different than intake valves, so it is easy to identify the valves for cyls. 2,3,4,5. I hope this will help someone. Again, thank you!"

Easiest way is to set the engine by the TDC mark on the flywheel. Now either both #1 valves are closed or both #6 valves are closed. I like remembering it this way;

You have 12 valves starting #1 cylinder with both valves closed (all the way up);

Adjust valves 1,2,3,5,7,9. Turn the engine over 1 revolution so the TDC marks is on the flywheel again. Both #6 valves should be closed. Starting in reverse, adjust valve 12,11,10,8,6,4. All done.

I think thats the easiest method of remembering. So long as you start on the end of the engine where both valves are closed and the flywheels on TDC, either #1 or #6.

Oops, you didnt mention whether or not it was a I6 or V8???

Sorry, Rusted Nuts, its a 235!

I guess I will go ahead and give it a try. Just a little on the nervous side.


Thanks