Tight Valves --- Loose Valves

[SasquatchSanta]

After approximately 500 miles on the new engine I thought it best to check the valve settings. I was a little reluctant given that it's a new engine with only 500 miles but I'm glad I did.

All the exhaust valves were tight --- tight enough to cause valve problems. Several of the intake valves were tight and some were loose --- loose enough to make noise.

Not having anything to compare it with I wasn't sure if what I was hearing was injector/fire deck noise of valve noise. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that a lot of it was valve noise. The truck is a LOT quieter now.

We were able to idle the engine down and adjust the valves with the engine running.

The moral to this story is --- check those valves --- you never know when they might be tight. It only takes one.

 

[WillWagner]

The valves are mechanical, not hydraulic. They should be set not running. How'd you keep a wrench on the nuts?

 

[cbvet]

I used to do a lot of work on Studebaker V8 engines with solid lifters. Always adjusted the valves with engine running. Much faster than turning the engine to TDC for each cylinder.
Keeping the wrench on is not a problem. It takes a couple of minutes to get the "feel" of the feeler gauge drag, but that's all.
Eric
CBVET

 

[SasquatchSanta]

We idled the engine down --- I hope my headlights are still intact.

I agree with cbvet --- it's a lot easier to adjust while running.

 

[rosco]

Comment: On an inline. six cylinder engine, all the valves can be adjusted with the engine stopped, from just two positions.

Solid lifters need to be adjusted with the engine Hot & Running. Otherwise, you can't find the loose/noisy valves. It should be done with the major "Tune ups". It takes some practice, holding the wrenches, but that is the way to do it. When I was a Kid, it was a drag to learn & do, but necessary. The "Old Guys", insisted on it. Also, when the rocker arms become worn, with the groves that wear in them from use, you will get a false setting, if you adjust them with the engine stopped. "Solids" will be somewhat noisy. It is their nature - music, to some of us. I just don't want any of them standing out. You will hear the loose one "ticking", and the tight one will sound like a: putt, putt. That is easier to hear, an a gasser, then on a diesel.

Lee in Alaska