Valve adjustment

[usered]

I recently had my model B engine rebuilt including new valves, guides an adjustable lifters. The orginal regrounded model B cam was installed. After driving it for less then 100 miles I decided to change to a new Model B touring cam. With the engine in the car I replaced the cam.

Now the question I have being new to model B/A engines I believe I need to readjust the values. Do I need to put the valve springs and keepers on before I adjust or after? It looks like if you do it after there maybe a problem getting to the locking nuts.

2nd question, I've gotten feedback on several different ways of adjusting the valves, is there a better, preferred or easy way of doing it?

Ed

[MikeK]

The valves need to be seated under tension. Either you have the head off and are pressing down firmly during measurement, or the springs and retainers are in place. If you just put the cam in (head on), after installing the springs, crank the engine around several times to 'seat' everything before starting measurement.

With the springs in place you need two very thin wrenches. They used to sell thin adjustment wrenches, but you can just get two thicker wrenches and grind them down.

I like the 'rule of nines' when adjusting the valves. After going through all eight, I crank the engine a few times and run through them again to re-check.

[Kurt in NJ]

Here is a link with pictures-- http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/ruleofnine.htm

Another method I have used is to adjust the cylinder that the dist rotor is pointing to, or I watch the valve movement ---on a 4 cyl when #4 valves are in overlap(when both valves are open slightly--one closing just as the other is opening) I adjust #1 ---the same goes for #2, adjust when #3 is on overlap---this method will work on any 4 stroke engine with an even # of cylinders where you know which pistons are at tdc in pairs

[Jim Brierley]

A performance cam should be adjusted by the rule of nines, when #1 valve is fully opened, adjust #8 valve and on down the line. I adjust them before installing springs by pressing down hard on the valve head with my thumb. After all are adjusted and springs installed, re-check the clearances and adjust if needed. Set clearance according to the cam grinder's recommendation which may not be the same as stock.

[Bruce of MN]

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Here is a wrench source: http://www.restockit.com/7-16-x-1-2-...rm27-658).html

I don't know if they are really thin enough. I ground down a regular set for me to use.