Adjusting valves

[Randy Lausch]

I have a model A that has adjustable lifters. Can the valves be adjusted without taking the head off. I put a wrench on them all it does is turn the lifters. How do you hold the lifter from moving when you turn the adjustment nut

[fundytides]

There should be 2 flat spots on the lifter to hold it while you adjust.

[nkaminar]

The lifters should have flats on them for a wrench to keep them from turning. You may have to grind down a wrench to make it thinner. You will have to measure the clearance when the cam is at the heal and then turn the cam so that it is at the toe to lift the lifter. It is a trial and error procedure.

You do not have to take the head off.

The Model A engine does not need the valves adjusted very often.

Lots of engines have the tops of the guides for the lifters machined lower so that the flats on the lifters are accessible when the cam is at the heal.

[old ugly]

two styles of adjustable lifters. one style has a lock nut which you will need 3 wrenches and one style which you will need 2 wrenches.
either way, check the gaps first with the lifter on the heal of the cam. don't just start adjusting unless they need to be adjusted.
then just do the ones that need adjustment. that is done as mentioned above by measuring clearance with the lifter riding on the heal of the cam then rotate the cam until the lifter holding flats are above the lifter boss. make an adjustment then rotate the cam back and check.

[Bob Bidonde]

I suggest that you not adjust the valves until someone teaches you with hands on. If you get it wrong, your engine will suffer performance and possibly some damage.

[AL in NY]

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If you have adjustable lifters, the best method is the "Rule of Nine" method.

Number valves from front to back 1 through 8.

It is fairly easy to determine when a valve is at the top of its lift visually. When #1 valve is at the top of its lift, the valve you adjust is “9” minus the valve number at the top of its lift, in this case #1, so 9-1=8. So you measure the clearance on valve #8.

Continuing, just watch for the next valve that comes to the top of its lift, subtract its valve position number from 9 and measure the corresponding valve. You’ll be adjusting the valves in non-numerical order. I put a piece of masking tape along the bottom of the ports and mark the measured clearances there and cross them off as I finish each valve lash adjustment.

You'll need to go through this procedure three times, first to measure the clearance, then to make the adjustment and third to check the clearance after making the adjustment.

To make rotating the engine easier, it's best to remove all the spark plugs.

Valve 1 at top adjust valve 8 (9-1=8), 2 at top adjust valve 7 (9-2=7), 3 at top adjust valve 6 (9-3=6), 9-4=5, 9-5=4, 9-6=3, 9-7=2 and finally 9-8=1.

If you use different clearances for intake and exhaust, you need to pay attention.

[Patrick L.]

Until you get used to measuring and adjusting the valves I'd recommend doing one cylinder at a time.

Remove all the sparklers so the engine turns over easier.

Bring each cylinder to TDC on compression stroke, a finger over the sparkler hole works for this.

Measure the lash for each lifter and write it down. Intake and exhaust are set at different setting depending on the camshaft you are using.

Tighten or loosen the adjusters to get the lash setting you want. Check it at least once before moving on to next cylinder.

These settings are better a bit loose than a bit tight.

Generally .012-.013" is fine for intakes and .015-.022" for exhaust. Again this depends on the camshaft installed.

[alexiskai]

Here's a thread about making a tool to help with the adjustment.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=290185

[vincentkdunn]

Originally Posted by old ugly

two styles of adjustable lifters. one style has a lock nut which you will need 3 wrenches and one style which you will need 2 wrenches.
either way, check the gaps first with the lifter on the heal of the cam. don't just start adjusting unless they need to be adjusted.
then just do the ones that need adjustment. that is done as mentioned above by measuring clearance with the lifter riding on the heal of the cam then rotate the cam until the lifter holding flats are above the lifter boss. make an adjustment then rotate the cam back and check.

Old Ugly, how does one secure or lock the valve adjustment in place with the 2-wrench adjustable lifters? Won’t they wander off their setting if not locked in place?
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[J Franklin]

Originally Posted by vincentkdunn

Old Ugly, how does one secure or lock the valve adjustment in place with the 2-wrench adjustable lifters? Won’t they wander off their setting if not locked in place?
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Interferance fit. I have used a drop of Locktite for insurance on my car. I did that on the 3 wrench tappets also. In fact I use Locktite on most all my fasteners except maybe head & manifold nuts, and lug nuts.

[Werner]

Guten Tag Randy.

I adjusted the valves these days. This is a bit tedious, but it works with patience and subsequent measurement. Note that the valve clearance can vary by 0.05mm when the tappet is twisted.