I'm curious if anyone has tried to set valve lash on a SR while the engine is running.
In the old days we used to do it all the time, but never heard of anyone doing it on a LTx engine.

 

I've never heard of that, how would you know the lash was correct?

 

Exactly. A solid roller has a specific measured lash. Not really possible to do while the engine is running.

 

I can see no one of you has ever done it. I used to do it all the time but on smaller engines. It's actually very easy and you have exactly the same gauge feeling as if the engine was off. Nobody ever did this without the engine running, it was a must.
I'll try it today or tomorrow and let you know, just wanted to know how messy it would get and if the roller tips play a role in adjusting lash while the engine is running.

 

I remember doing it with the engine running back in the early 60's on solid/flat tappet Corvette 283's. If the feeler gauge never came loose, it was too tight. Just keep backing off on the nut until the gauge came free with the valve closed. Used to put little spring clips over the ends of the rockers to keep oil from spraying all over.

Now everyone, includig the guys that built my engine seem to prefer to do it static.

 

When I said "not really possible", I was thinking trying to insert a feeler gauge on a moving target would be difficult. I've never tried it running. I would think the roller tips would make it easier either way, though.

 

Back in the 60's it was the preferred method to adjust solid lifters with the motor running at temp. It's not hard at all to get the feeler guage between the rocker and valve unless the rocker is to tight in which case you loosen the rocker.

 

Yep, I remember watching guys do that on small block engines-this was before roller lifters. If I remember correctly, there were different clearances for intake and exhaust valves and you would have two feeler gauges sticking out so you could do each one.

 

Exactly what I mean, it can be done and I'll try it out tomorrow. I remember we had a somewhat wider feeler gauge and with my SR at the moment idling at about 1000-1100 rpm it should pretty easy.

 

I'd done it long ago. Just like was mentioned. If you tightened it down too much, the feeler gauge would not come out. Slowly reducing the lash while the feeler gauge could be slid back and forth. Only when it would move with a little friction would the lash be considered to be 'right', and I'd lock it at that setting. I used those clips to keep oil splash to a minimum. The nice thing about this is the valve train can be fully warmed up and consistent from cylinder to cylinder.

 

You're describing the method for adjusting preload on HYDRAULIC lifters. The OP(Original Poster) is discussing adjustment of SOLID/MECHANICAL ROLLER lifters.

 

I thought if we just ignored the first post, it would go away. Guess not.

 

 

Wow.... three wrong answers in a row.

 

You don't seem to understand how SRs are adjusted. There are specific lash settings that must be measured with a feeler gauge. BTW, SRs tick (because of the lash).