1952-59 Ford Valve adjustment on 215

I had a leak from the valve cover gasket on the 215 on my 53 Customline. So I figured while I had the valve cover off, I would adjust the valves.

The book says to adjust to .015. I checked them before I began and most had no clearance, and the ones that did had a larger gap. I adjusted them with the engine cold. After a little cussing, it's a little difficult to hold adjusting screw and tighten the locking nut without losing your gap, I got them adjusted. I started the car, let it warm up and rechecked the valves. The gaps were all over the place some real loose some a little tight. I'm guessing that I should've done it with the engine warm.

So my question is...Should a person adjust when engine is at operating temperature? Has anyone else adjusted their valves or have any tips on the best way to do this?

 

http://fordsix.com/forum/viewtopic this. this is what I did and my car has been running great ever since hope this link works. this is my first attempt.

 

fordsix.com search in line 6 valve adjustment. This is how I did mine and have never had a problem since. yes check them when the motor has warmed up. check your valve specs before you do this.

 

Thanks Vein, I'll give that a try and see if I have more luck.