Do we have to adjust lash after first oil change post rebuilt?

[ertech]

Hi guys

Do we have to adjust lash after first oil change post rebuilt?did heads rockers etc...
Thanks

[Walt Fricke]

You don't have to do anything.

However, checking valve lash, and adjusting only where and if needed, is easier to do as part of an oil change, because without first draining the oil you (or at least I) tend to get quite a bit spilling out when you pull an exhaust valve cover. You can get around that by doing it one side at a time, jacking the car up as far as possible on the side you are going to work on, and then going to the other side. But that's a lot of extra work if you can avoid it.

If you are absolutely certain you got it all just right the first time, I'd think you could skip this. Normally lash doesn't change much over time. When the engine warms up, the lash increases, and then goes back when the engine cools. Wear of the valvetrain will also open the lash, but a little loose is not a big problem long term. Wear of the valves and seats will close the lash, which could end up being a problem if you end up with valves which aren't fully closed, but that isn't going to happen short term.

The greater value of checking at this point is to confirm that you got things just right, seems to me.

[JFairman]

Originally Posted by ertech

Hi guys

Do we have to adjust lash after first oil change post rebuilt?did heads rockers etc...
Thanks

I'd say it depends how many new valve train parts you put in when doing heads, rockers, etc.
It sure wouldn't hurt checking them while you have the oil out and adjusting any that may be loose or too tight.

I use the red silicone valve cover gaskets over and over, again and again installing them dry each time and not tightening the nylocks more than lightly snug... They have never leaked or sweat any oil so removing the covers to adjust valves is easy and doesn't cost me anything but a little time.

[BGCarrera32]

Originally Posted by ertech

Hi guys

Do we have to adjust lash after first oil change post rebuilt?did heads rockers etc...
Thanks

No. Run it in for 5-6K miles and so long as nothing seems amiss, leave it be and hit them on the 2nd or 3rd oil change. Let everything run in for a while. When you do get a flashlight on the cams and make sure the rocker faces are wearing in properly (even contact from rocker foot to cam lobe across the face) at the same time.

[ertech]

Thanks was not looking forward to it
Thanks

[john walker's workshop]

i get all my valve grinds back after 1000-1500 miles to readjust the valves. i set them snug when it goes out and they're always looser when they come back. after that, good for the usual 15K service interval adjustment.