Valve lash adjustment
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location:
Posts: 170

ok i made a previous thread about this..but it came back again..soi think all i have to do is a Valve lash adjustment...now i heard you could do it while the engine is running...what is the process in doing it this way..and is it safe?? thanks
#2
BF Veteran
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Vancouver. B.C. Canada
Posts: 3,429



Personally I prefer to do it with the engine off, it's not as messy.
To set the valves with the engine running, first adjust them so they're not loose and clacking. tighten them til they're quiet. Then loosen them one at a time. Loosen one til it clacks, then tighten it til it's quiet, then the next til they're all quiet. Then tighten them all an additional 1/2 to 3/4 turn tighter.
Then you can put on the valve covers and clean up the oil mess. There are also oil deflectors that you can buy that will deflect most of the oil to drop down into the cylinder head.
Another way I have done it is to have a spare set of valve covers that I cut a 1" slot out of the top to access the adjuster nuts, adjusted the valves and then, changed the valve covers.
I strongly suggest buying a manual that tells you how to set the valves with the engine off.
To set the valves with the engine running, first adjust them so they're not loose and clacking. tighten them til they're quiet. Then loosen them one at a time. Loosen one til it clacks, then tighten it til it's quiet, then the next til they're all quiet. Then tighten them all an additional 1/2 to 3/4 turn tighter.
Then you can put on the valve covers and clean up the oil mess. There are also oil deflectors that you can buy that will deflect most of the oil to drop down into the cylinder head.
Another way I have done it is to have a spare set of valve covers that I cut a 1" slot out of the top to access the adjuster nuts, adjusted the valves and then, changed the valve covers.
I strongly suggest buying a manual that tells you how to set the valves with the engine off.
#3
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location:
Posts: 170

would it cause any damage doing it while the motor is running?
#4
BF Veteran
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Vancouver. B.C. Canada
Posts: 3,429



I have done many in the past with the engine running and no damage. If you tighten a rocker to much the worst that should happen is that the engine will stall.
I don't do it with the engine running any more 'cause I don't like cleaning up the oil that gets pumped all over the engine.
I don't do it with the engine running any more 'cause I don't like cleaning up the oil that gets pumped all over the engine.
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knyterspyder
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