Adjustable Tappets

[Steve Rinaldo]

I am getting ready to adjust the valve clearance which is long overdue. If I remember right on adjustable Tappets you turn the 7/16 bolt to the left to decrease the clearance and to the right to to increase. Just checking, Thanks, Steve

[AL in NY]

You turn the tappet head counter-clockwise to decrease the clearance and clockwise to increase the clearance.

[Bill G]

Once you get in there and start adjusting, you will quickly get a feel for not only the direction to adjust, but just how much (or how very little) you need to adjust to get the desired lash.

[Rex_A_Lott]

I couldn't get two normal wrenches to fit in there. I found some of the thin wrenches used for changing the grinding wheel on some of my 4" grinders worked good. Good luck.

[Patrick L.]

Depending on the lifters determines the wrench [s] needed. At time a tappet wrench [s] needed. Some grinding on normal wrenches suffices.

[Bruce of MN]

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I ground down some wrenches, too. After that (of course) I started looking for thin wrenches at Carlisle, Hershey, etc. and found several good ones. This is a new set that I have ordered, also: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Jack Shaft]

I've seen where folks grind the lifter bores so they can adjust when the valve is closed...I think that's a mistake,why reduce lifter support?for a little convenience?

[McMimmcs]

Originally Posted by Bruce of MN

I ground down some wrenches, too. After that (of course) I started looking for thin wrenches at Carlisle, Hershey, etc. and found several good ones. This is a new set that I have ordered, also: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

One of the reasons I miss Hershey. I could usually find the unusual things I needed. Often a friend would buy two of something in case I missed it. Although I miss it I am happy the health issue Became more important that buying and selling. My first miss in many years but I applauded the organizers for their logical decision to cancel. I personally will be surprised if Hershey will be held in 2021.

[redmodelt]

Sorry I read that wrong.

[Patrick L.]

Originally Posted by redmodelt

That would be backwards. They have standard thread not left hand. Turning the adjusting bolt counter-clockwise closes up the gap as the bolt turns out.

Hmmm, for some strange reason I was under the impression that closing/reducing the gap did decrease the clearance.

[Steve Rinaldo]

I got it done. I ground down 2 old wenches and they worked well. The hardest part was doing it by yourself. It would have been a lot easier with a helper to tell you which one valve was open so you could check its partner using the rule of 9. When I do it again i'll be looking for a helper, any takers? Steve

[Patrick L.]

Originally Posted by Steve Rinaldo

I got it done. I ground down 2 old wenches and they worked well. The hardest part was doing it by yourself. It would have been a lot easier with a helper to tell you which one valve was open so you could check its partner using the rule of 9. When I do it again i'll be looking for a helper, any takers? Steve

I just bring each cylinder up to near TDC on compression stroke, then adjust those 2 valves. Easy.
If your lifters are such that they can't be adjusted in that manner, measure the lash rotate to be able to adjust, make an adjustment and measure again. It may take a couple tries.

[Brendan1959]

There is a method that you can use that I have not used on a model A yet, but an old motorcycle mechanic put me on to it when I was restoring a WD matchless G3L350 and have used on lots of KTM off road enduro bikes which are difficult to get at with feeler gauges.
You just need to know what the TPI (threads per inch) of the tappet adjuster has.
For augments sake we will say 28 tpi.
1000 (thou per inch) divided by 28 TPI = 35.7 thou per revolution, divided by the points on the nut 6, is just a whisker under 6 thou per point,
It then becomes simple math to get what you want, then adjust by points or flats of the nut.
Hopefully that makes sense.

Brendan

[Ak Sourdough]

Used to be that every company that made wrenches made tappet wrenches.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...nches&_sacat=0

[Jim Brierley]

I recommend the "rule of nines". With #1 valve fully open, adjust #8 valve. (8+1=9) Continue down the line, 7+2=9, etc.

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by Steve Rinaldo

I got it done. I ground down 2 old wenches and they worked well. The hardest part was doing it by yourself. It would have been a lot easier with a helper to tell you which one valve was open so you could check its partner using the rule of 9. When I do it again i'll be looking for a helper, any takers? Steve

You need a helper because?

As long as you are modifying wrenches, I bent up a "special wrench" so I can see the lifters while I turn the engine over. It helps when timing your engine also. 1⅜" wrench fits the ratchet nut on the crank. Just don't start the engine with it on there...

The vendors sell a similar wrench.

[Jeff P. / MN]

Originally Posted by Jim Brierley

I recommend the "rule of nines". With #1 valve fully open, adjust #8 valve. (8+1=9) Continue down the line, 7+2=9, etc.

“Rule of Nines” This is the easiest method for me. First learned of it from Marco’s website. Years ago I purchased a set of “carburetor wrenches” from Snap On (very thin) and they work great. I believe they are still available.