Setting lifter preload

So, I'm not having much luck here. When assmebling the 454, I used a valve adjustment method outlined in my build book where you set it to TDC on 1, then you can adjust intake valves on four of the cylinders and exhaust valves on four other cylinders. Then you rotate the crank 360 and do all the rest.

The book says that this works for stock type cams. Evidently my 218/224 cam is far enough off that it won't work like that. I've tried this method three times and I still get valve clatter.

I'm trying to logic this out, but at TDC of the firing stroke, each cylinder should be on base circle for both intake and exhaust by a good margin. Although it would be labor intensive, couldn't I set it TDC on 1 and adjust both, then by turning the crank 90* I can do both valves on 8, and just keep doing this until all 8 are done?

Also, do you recommend a half turn past zero lash, or one full turn? Comp cams recommends 1/2, but the chevy manual recommends one full.

Just to be difficult. take an old set of valve covers, cut the top out of them just enough to get at the rocker arm nuts. this will keep oil from spraying everywhere. Start it up, and begin adjusting valves, run each one down until its at 0 lash, then add about 3/4 turn. when you are done, and you put the new covers back on, you may notice that unless your rocker studs are stretched beyond belief, there will be about 3 threads showing above each rocker nut.

Have fun with your nuts....

let me know how it goes.

As pind said...do it running. 3/4 turn should be just fine. So, how's it running? We're waiting for an update.. :)

As pind said...do it running. 3/4 turn should be just fine. So, how's it running? We're waiting for an update.. :)

Well, suffice it to say... the open diff has to go. I keep scaring myself. I pulled onto the freeway from downtown yesterday. From a rolling run it shifted into first, lit up the inside tire, then hooked up and shot into traffic much better than I expected. I got a nice chirp into second. I'm having trouble getting the smile off my face.

The first oil change came after about 3 miles so it was hard to tell anything, so I'm anxious to do the 200-mile change and do some diagnosis.

Its easily a 400-horse engine, but I say that coming from the standpoint of never having owned a car this heavy. It might be 350 or 425, but either way it moves that heavy car very well. Once its totally broken in I'm going to race it against the SS. That will be the real test :)

A little eye-candy...

http://www.curtisandkim.com/newengine1.jpg

http://www.curtisandkim.com/454wagon1.jpg