Valve Adjustment Needed?

[Cape Codder]

I have approx 9700 miles on a motor that was completely rebuilt. I have never adjusted the valves. Will the engine, while driving, give me some indication that the valves need adjustment?

[J Franklin]

They most likely won't need any adjustment until the valves are lapped, If you hear strange tapping you might check on things then also.

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

So if the cam or lifters wear, then the gap would get larger?
If the valve recedes into the seat or block, the gap would decrease, possibly burning a valve?

[J Franklin]

Originally Posted by Chuck Sea/Tac

So if the cam or lifters wear, then the gap would get larger?
If the valve recedes into the seat or block, the gap would decrease, possibly burning a valve?

Those things could happen with faulty parts, improper maintenance, or misuse. Not likely if cared for and driven nicely. Check valve adjustment any time the engine is opened up or valves worked on.

[Patrick L.]

An engine could give some indication of a need for a valve adjustment, but, not always. If they get noisy then its time for one, but, slightly noisy/loose valves won't hurt anything. If they tighten themselves they'll stay quiet and could cause damage.
If you're thinking about this, then why not check them. its not that hard to do and they are not always set correctly when the engine is assembled. You'll know what you have when your done.

[Cape Codder]

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So there is no set time schedule to set the valve clearance?

[Kurt in NJ]

Ideally the lifter/cam/valve stem tip wear equals valve/seat wear and the clearances stay good for the "life" of the valve job ---from the looks of the wear on some of the engines taken apart it went for a long time,

[WHN]

Originally Posted by Cape Codder

So there is no set time schedule to set the valve clearance?

Every engine wares differently. I would guess there are engines out there that have many, many miles on them and have never had a value job or adjustment.

We own a Model A with an engine that was redone in the mid 1940’s. No valve noise, good compression (all in the mid 60’s), no smoke, runs strong. I just always recommend regular oil changes and STP. Cheap engine insurance. Enjoy.

[George Miller]

When new there was no adjustment on the valves. They were set when new, they stayed that way until it needed a valve job.

[redmodelt]

Adjustable lifters not installed?

[Cape Codder]

I do have adjustable lifters and that is why I asked the question.

[WHN]

You don’t want to fix something that’s not broken.

If car is running good, no valve noise. I would leave it alone. Just use some Marvel Mystery Oil in the gas to help with the valve lubrication.

Most Model A engines will tell you if there could be a problem.

If you just are looking to play around, pull the side cover and check the lifters out. Enjoy.

[Dick Steinkamp]

If it was me...new motor...I'd go over the valves after 500-1000 miles. More to give me piece of mind than anything else. In addition, by that time the valve train has worn in and any initial need for adjustment would show up. I'd also be interested in hearing what the rebuilder recommended.

I have had more Model As have the valve clearance get larger as parts wear which would signal such with valve clatter, but it is also possible for the clearances to get tighter as the valve wears into the valve seat. In that case there wouldn't be any additional noise...just a loss of power as the valve eventually remains off the seat and starts to burn.