kirschman

I'm using the spin the pushrod method to adjust my valves. Cam is the 306. My ? is, how far past zero lash should u go. I know most are 1/2 to 3/4 turn past zero, but I readjusted mine the other night and went bout 3/4 on em. Car doesnt seem to idle as it did before and I'm feeling a slight miss at low rpm's. Also when it starts it doesnt "fire" right up, kinda hard to explain, u just got to hear it, it starts fine but doesnt sound right. A bud of mine said to only go 1/4 turn or maybe less, anyone else have any opinions on this?? thanks in advance, Chris

joeSS97

3/4 is too much,valves prolly not closing.Go no more than 1/2 turn.

kirschman

thanks Joe, anyone else have any other views?? I'm adjusting em right now, well, got alt. off fixxing to pull covers again. These reusable v/c gaskets are the ****!!

Rodrigues

My suggestion is dont use the spin the pushrod method. They will end up being too tight. The best way I found to do them is if you have roller rockers. Move the bolt with your finger until you feel the slightest amount of resistance, this is zero lash. If the lifter isnt filled with oil you will keep spinning the pushrod until the lifter is fully compressed and the valve will never close.

kirschman

the car runs, I just pulled it in the garage and started a few minutes ago, so I know the lifters are pumped. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but, how can spinning the p/r compress it?? Its spinning not pushing down, how can it compress the lifter. Thanks for the replie though, everyone helps. I think I'll give them 1/4 turn and see if they make any noise, unless I get a few more good responses. Keep em coming, plan on going to track Fri. or Sat.

Rodrigues

Im saying that the pushrod will still spin even though a lifter is being compressed if theres no oil in it.

IROCZZ3

When I adjust valves I move the pushrod up and down until there is no play and then go no more than 1/2 turn. The problem with spinning the pushrods, especially if you've never adjusted valves before is you can easily go past zero lash and then you end up overtightening them.

IMO though, the best way to adjust valves is with the motor running. Just back off the rocker nut til it starts clacking, then tighten it til it just stops. Then tighten another 1/2 turn, going in 1/4 turn increments. That's it, you're done!

kirschman

I know adjusting with it running is prob. the best, but I really dont want to get oil everywhere. And I do have the clips that fit on the rockers to deflect the oil, but its still to messy for me. I can get these things close, I think, using this method. I had it pretty close the first time, but I had to adjust em one more time, should of never messed with it.

Dr.Mudge

I've used as low as 1/8 with R lifters, but generally feel happy with 1/2 turn on stockers, maybe 1/4 at minimum.

kirschman

well, I tried 1/4 turn and way too much clicking for me. Gonna go on and try it with motor running I guess , I know its not that bad but I I spent all day cleaning up the engine bay, and I dont want it dirty . Guess its cool to run the engine with no alt. or belt, I cant think of any prob. that might occur. I've got it down to bout prob. 20-25 minutes now, finally something that feels old school working on these 4th gen. Usually its sensors,BLM's, O'2 readings and ****, now I can do something I did 20yrs. ago to my ride and its still the same . Sorry didnt mean to ramble on like that