Chevy 230 valve adjustment....

I have a question regarding valve adjustment on these sixes... I've only had to set valve lash on cars with solid lifters, never one of these... I won't be offended if anybody says I'm just being dumb!!

I found the procedure in a manual of mine- It says loosen nut and then tighten to the point where you can't feel play in the push rod, plus 1/2 to 3/4 turn more. TDC on #1, set in.1,2,4, ex.1,3,5, then TDC #6 in.3,5,6, ex.2,4,6.

My issue is I set the the rockers, tightening them just to the point I can't spin the pushrod with my fingers, plus 1/2 turn.... But after a minute or two I can feel play again. I re-set them again and the same thing... I'm sure the lifter is just compressing a little, but have I gone too far by redoing them??? I don't want to wipe out the cam or anything horrible like that...

Thanks in advance for the help!!!

 

I adjust them wth the engine running. Back off until they just clatter. then tighten them 1/2 turn. they might still peck. but that ok. old gummy lifters can still peck when properly adjusted. OldWolf

 

You are correct in that the lifter is bleeding down slightly, so that after a few minutes the pushrod will be a bit loose. Do not tighten it any further, one half-turn is enough to set the lifter preload.
Adjusting them while running is another way to do it. And if you have any non-car type folks watching you do it this way, it really messes with their head seeing all that valve train **** moving.

 

So if they've already been tightened more (since i re did them) am I going to have a problem, or will it be ok to fire up so i can set them while running?? I just don't won't to ruin a good cam..

Also, do i need a valve cover with the top cut off for this, or can it be done without it? (Someone told me I need one...)

 

If your going to do it while the engine is running, the ******* cover is a good idea. Or without the engine running, you can back all the rocker nut off ( 2 full turns should do it ) then crank the engine over with the starter the refill the lifters with oil. Now you can start over using the procedure in the book. You can also do each cylinder individually by bringing each to TDC on the compression stroke and adjusting both intake and exhaust.

 

Kool!! That's exactly what i needed to know! Thanks man!!

This is why I love this place!!

 

i doubt it makes much difference but the 64 and 65 shop manual says 1 full turn past zero lash. i like to do it with the engine running too. i use a valve cover with top cut out and clips that go on rocker arm to plug oil holes.