Valve Adjustment

[Brian54]

I have a 1954 Ford with the original 239 motor. I have conflicting information regarding the correct valve setting numbers ( both hot and cold ).Could someone provide me with the answer?

[dmsfrr]

A couple links for you...

http://ford-y-block.com/tuneup.htm
from this webpage... http://ford-y-block.com/technical.htm

and a video...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqG-Q_kVI3s

[55blacktie]

Ford recommended .019 hot. Ted Eaton (eatonbalancing.com) recommends .020 cold on a stock engine. Ted went on to say that there's very little expansion from colt to hot when both block and heads are cast iron. Tim McMaster, on the other hand, likes a tighter lash (.015) for stock cams to quiet down the valve train.

[KULTULZ]

Valve lash with STOCK cam - .018-.019" HOT.

Engine does not need to be running.

Unless firing a new engine, the lash is .019 ENGINE HOT.

Pre-fire is .019 ENGINE COLD and reset 0.19 after run-in and HOT.

If need be, you do one bank hot and if the engine cools somewhat, you run the engine until HOT and adjust the other bank.

Varying valve lash is for a modified engine, not a stocker.

There are huge differences between SERVICE and MODIFIED.

[Brian54]

Thanks to all that responded; I really appreciate it !

[KULTULZ]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Do you have a copy of the 1954 FORD WORKSHOP MANUAL?

It has detailed instructions and will guide you correctly.

[Brian54]

I have watched Tim McMaster's video and it was very helpful .I also have experience with race cars during my younger years . Kultulz is correct in suggesting getting a look at a Ford manual and I have a buddy that has one as there is always something to learn.

[KULTULZ]

Now you have to know that what individuals as Tim McMasters and others are doing is adjusting with a hot cam.

If you have the OEM cam, the procedure is a little different.