Valve adjustment problems
 

Hello,

I am stuck with a problem, which I am hoping someone here will be able to help with!
With the engine at tdc and the distributor in the correct position, I cannot get enough clearance to get the feeler gauge to slide comfortably through on #1 cylinder, even with the adjustment screw closed right down so that it can't be screwed any further back.

Can I raise the rocker head carrier by using shims, or have the push rods shortened?

I hope this makes sense and that someone out there can help!

Many thanks in advance

Andrew

Is this a fresh rebuild? Are you relying on distributor orientation or crank pulley or visual to confirm you are at TDC? ...and you are certain you are looking at #1?

hi, Thanks for replying.

The pulley wheel is at tdc in line with the mark on the engine, the rotor arm is in line with the mark on the distributor case, I have also placed a thin wooden dowel into the cylinder and rotated the pulley wheel - the piston was at the top of #! cylinder which corresponded with the pulley wheel and the distributor. Yes, this is a fresh rebuild.

Many thanks
Andrew

Andrew:
In the TDC scenario you posted, are both rocker arms even with each other (i.e. both are at the same angle relative to vertical?) If not, try the following and just for this test, disregard where the dist. rotor is pointing.
Rotate the engine a full 360 degrees to your pulley TDC mark. Are the rocker arms now even with each other? Can their clearances be checked w/feeler gauge?
And, just have to ask since many, including myself, have done this, are you certain you're looking at cyl 1 - furthest forward on passenger side?

Bill

Hello,
yes, number one cylinder definitely. I have turned the engine 360 degrees and it is still the same.

Thanks for your help.

Andrew

Andrew:
Any chance you could post some pics of your rockers on cyl #1?

hello, thank you but just solved the problem, the had had been skimmed.

Thank You AV

Andrew,

Be aware that pressurized oil flows through the pushrod, adjuster and into the rocker arm: if the adjustment screw does not fall within the range of oil passage, the rocker pivots (rocker, rocker shafts) will quickly gall and seize/fail. In a situation such as yours, it is entirely possible that the entire rocker stand needs to be shimmed away from the head...

Peter

Thank you very much for your advice. Do you know where I can get the correct shims from, as I am struggling to find them? I believe that they are slightly larger than the valve spring shims, but nowhere seems to have the.

Thanks for your help, it's much appreciated

Andrew