The Ford Barn

57ChevyWagonMan · 08-01-2018, 06:54 PM

I am in the process of completing my first Flathead build. All has gone smoothly until now. I found the instructions:

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...3&d=1453320251

The problem begins at the start when valves 4ex and 1in are open. The two valves are never open at the same time! I am using an Isky Max 1 Part # 811100 cam shaft. Is their likely enough difference in this cam and the stock cam to cause me problems? If so How do I deal with it?

Another concern I have is regarding the valve lash settings. I am not 100% certain what year my block is. All I know is that it is a 49-53. How should I gap my lifters? The cam sheet says .014 cold. Is that correct for both intake and exhaust?

Thanks!

Mike

JSeery · 08-01-2018, 07:11 PM

Block year shouldn't have anything to do with valve lash. It will depend on the cam and the lifters used (and if there are rotator valves). First question I would have (seeing the Chevy) is you do understand the cylinder numbering, correct? It is NOT the same as a Chevy. Secondly, a high performance cam is going to be a little different in the duration over a stock cam.

Ronnie · 08-01-2018, 09:10 PM

Is the engine on a stand?

R

tubman · 08-01-2018, 09:27 PM

I remember reading a thread on the H.A.M.B. that Iskendarian sold a bunch of cams that were way out of spec a few years ago. Maybe you have one of those. I just got done building an engine with a MAX-1 and had no such problems. Perhaps a little research is in order.

Ronnie · 08-01-2018, 09:33 PM

Me also just finished one this week no problems at all.

R

57ChevyWagonMan · 08-01-2018, 09:51 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

OK,

How is the cylinder numbering then? I always thought the number one was the closest to the front of the engine and then all odd cylinders followed behind it, even on the other side? Please set me straight?! I started this project a long time ago and I just want to get it right.

Thanks!

tubman · 08-01-2018, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 57ChevyWagonMan

OK,

How is the cylinder numbering then? I always thought the number one was the closest to the front of the engine and then all odd cylinders followed behind it, even on the other side? Please set me straight?! I started this project a long time ago and I just want to get it right.

Thanks!

No that's for a SBC and most other late model engines. A ford flathead is 1-2-3-4 front to back on the right (US passenger) side and 5-6-7-8 front to back on the left side. This is a common mistake.

57ChevyWagonMan · 08-01-2018, 09:51 PM

Yes the engine is on a stand.

Pete · 08-01-2018, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 57ChevyWagonMan

I am in the process of completing my first Flathead build. All has gone smoothly until now. I found the instructions:

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...3&d=1453320251

The problem begins at the start when valves 4ex and 1in are open. The two valves are never open at the same time! I am using an Isky Max 1 Part # 811100 cam shaft. Is their likely enough difference in this cam and the stock cam to cause me problems? If so How do I deal with it?

Another concern I have is regarding the valve lash settings. I am not 100% certain what year my block is. All I know is that it is a 49-53. How should I gap my lifters? The cam sheet says .014 cold. Is that correct for both intake and exhaust?

Thanks!

Mike

If the cam sheet says .014 then that is the last word.
If you adjust the valves by the simplest method there is, you will have no problems worrying about which is open when or what the firing order is.
If you do not know the firing order, start with the first valve on one bank, doesn't matter which bank. Roll the engine over with a bar till the valve is wide open. Stop. Mark the front pulley at the timing pointer with chalk. Turn the crank one full turn back to the mark. This will put the cam on the heel for the lifter you are adjusting. Adjust the lifter. MARK THAT VALVE WITH CHALK.
This will let you know that one is adjusted. Next, RUB THE CHALK MARK OFF THE FRONT PULLEY. Proceed to the next adjacent valve and repeat the process.

The cylinder order is, number 1 is right bank front and straight back to 4.
Left bank front is 5 and straight back to 8.
Firing order is 15486372.

57ChevyWagonMan · 08-01-2018, 10:00 PM

Well paint my face red! I will look at it that way tomorrow.

Thanks

Mart · 08-02-2018, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 57ChevyWagonMan

Well paint my face red! I will look at it that way tomorrow.

Thanks

Good man.

Welcome to our world!

Mart.

JSeery · 08-01-2018, 10:57 PM

Thinking Chevy will get you in trouble on a flathead!

Actually any Ford I have ever worked on is numbered 1-4 right side and 5-8 left side, just always been a Ford thing.

Russ/40 · 08-02-2018, 12:17 AM

I'm happy to see Pete stressing the simplest method for valve adjustment. Keep it simple, and you wont get mixed up with the process. Way to go Pete.

RalphM · 08-02-2018, 01:07 AM

Pete,
I’ve never heard of doing it that way, but it makes perfect sense! The crank rotates twice the camshaft, therefore once on the crank is exactly half way around on the cam! It’s so simple I’ve always overlooked it in favor of more complicated ways!
And the best thing, no matter what the cam grind, it’s always perfect.

57ChevyWagonMan · 08-02-2018, 05:34 AM

My late Grandfather made a living working on these things. One of my old bosses once said to me that my Grandpa had forgotten more about cars than the two of us would ever know! I am sure he was right. I often wish he was still here. This Flathead build has taught me an awful lot. really appreciate everyone's guidance.

All the best!

Mike

Ggmac · 05-19-2019, 05:38 PM

I hope you stuck you pistons and rods in the correct holes !

chap52 · 08-02-2018, 07:11 AM

Get you a repair manual. Ask, ask, ask. There are no dumb questions and this site is filed with folks that love to share their knowledge. We have all gained a little along the way and will freely share what we think we know.
EVERYONE on this site has messed up along the way and fall short of perfection,(sounds like a scripture i read somewhere) but together we can get it figured out.
Welcome aboard and enjoy the adventure, Chap

Ol' Ron · 08-02-2018, 09:15 AM

yes, Been using Pete's method for the past 60 or so years. He taught it to me when I was a wee lad.

scicala · 08-02-2018, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol' Ron

yes, Been using Pete's method for the past 60 or so years. He taught it to me when I was a wee lad.

Ol' Ron, if that's the case, just how old is Pete ? Ha Ha.

Sal

Bored&Stroked · 08-04-2018, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scicala

Ol' Ron, if that's the case, just how old is Pete ? Ha Ha.

Sal

He was just a bit older lad at the time! They're both Spring Chickens! LOL

D

08-01-2018, 06:54 PM	#1
57ChevyWagonMan Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: East Palestine, Ohio Posts: 38	Problems Setting Valve Lash I am in the process of completing my first Flathead build. All has gone smoothly until now. I found the instructions: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...3&d=1453320251 The problem begins at the start when valves 4ex and 1in are open. The two valves are never open at the same time! I am using an Isky Max 1 Part # 811100 cam shaft. Is their likely enough difference in this cam and the stock cam to cause me problems? If so How do I deal with it? Another concern I have is regarding the valve lash settings. I am not 100% certain what year my block is. All I know is that it is a 49-53. How should I gap my lifters? The cam sheet says .014 cold. Is that correct for both intake and exhaust? Thanks! Mike

08-01-2018, 07:11 PM	#2
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	Re: Problems Setting Valve Lash Block year shouldn't have anything to do with valve lash. It will depend on the cam and the lifters used (and if there are rotator valves). First question I would have (seeing the Chevy) is you do understand the cylinder numbering, correct? It is NOT the same as a Chevy. Secondly, a high performance cam is going to be a little different in the duration over a stock cam.

08-01-2018, 09:10 PM	#3
Ronnie Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Canada Where it snows Posts: 2,058	Re: Problems Setting Valve Lash Is the engine on a stand? R

08-01-2018, 09:27 PM	#4
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,321	Re: Problems Setting Valve Lash I remember reading a thread on the H.A.M.B. that Iskendarian sold a bunch of cams that were way out of spec a few years ago. Maybe you have one of those. I just got done building an engine with a MAX-1 and had no such problems. Perhaps a little research is in order.

08-01-2018, 09:33 PM	#5
Ronnie Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Canada Where it snows Posts: 2,058	Re: Problems Setting Valve Lash Me also just finished one this week no problems at all. R

08-01-2018, 09:51 PM	#6
57ChevyWagonMan Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: East Palestine, Ohio Posts: 38	Re: Problems Setting Valve Lash Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) OK, How is the cylinder numbering then? I always thought the number one was the closest to the front of the engine and then all odd cylinders followed behind it, even on the other side? Please set me straight?! I started this project a long time ago and I just want to get it right. Thanks!

08-01-2018, 09:51 PM	#8
57ChevyWagonMan Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: East Palestine, Ohio Posts: 38	Re: Problems Setting Valve Lash Yes the engine is on a stand.

08-01-2018, 10:00 PM	#10
57ChevyWagonMan Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: East Palestine, Ohio Posts: 38	Re: Problems Setting Valve Lash Well paint my face red! I will look at it that way tomorrow. Thanks

08-01-2018, 10:57 PM	#12
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	Re: Problems Setting Valve Lash Thinking Chevy will get you in trouble on a flathead! Actually any Ford I have ever worked on is numbered 1-4 right side and 5-8 left side, just always been a Ford thing.

08-02-2018, 12:17 AM	#13
Russ/40 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Santee, California Posts: 3,505	Re: Problems Setting Valve Lash I'm happy to see Pete stressing the simplest method for valve adjustment. Keep it simple, and you wont get mixed up with the process. Way to go Pete.

08-02-2018, 01:07 AM	#14
RalphM Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: North Pole, Alaska Posts: 2,651	Re: Problems Setting Valve Lash Pete, I’ve never heard of doing it that way, but it makes perfect sense! The crank rotates twice the camshaft, therefore once on the crank is exactly half way around on the cam! It’s so simple I’ve always overlooked it in favor of more complicated ways! And the best thing, no matter what the cam grind, it’s always perfect.

08-02-2018, 05:34 AM	#15
57ChevyWagonMan Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: East Palestine, Ohio Posts: 38	Re: Problems Setting Valve Lash My late Grandfather made a living working on these things. One of my old bosses once said to me that my Grandpa had forgotten more about cars than the two of us would ever know! I am sure he was right. I often wish he was still here. This Flathead build has taught me an awful lot. really appreciate everyone's guidance. All the best! Mike

05-19-2019, 05:38 PM	#16
Ggmac Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Lake worth Florida Posts: 1,104	Re: Problems Setting Valve Lash I hope you stuck you pistons and rods in the correct holes !

08-02-2018, 07:11 AM	#17
chap52 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Marana Arizona Posts: 1,776	Re: Problems Setting Valve Lash Get you a repair manual. Ask, ask, ask. There are no dumb questions and this site is filed with folks that love to share their knowledge. We have all gained a little along the way and will freely share what we think we know. EVERYONE on this site has messed up along the way and fall short of perfection,(sounds like a scripture i read somewhere) but together we can get it figured out. Welcome aboard and enjoy the adventure, Chap

08-02-2018, 09:15 AM	#18
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,862	Re: Problems Setting Valve Lash yes, Been using Pete's method for the past 60 or so years. He taught it to me when I was a wee lad.