Collapsed Lifter Adjustment Gap

[saleen07gt]

I got my 3V heads back from the machine shop and I asked them if they clearanced all valves correctly and they informed me they were all in spec. I found the spec to be .018-.031 in the manual. My question is, Can I check this measurement by compressing the lash adjuster with my finger (new lash adjuster with no oil inside yet) and measuring between the roller of the follower and the base circle of the cam ? I took a few measurements this way and found the gap to be anywhere from .015-.022. I'm thinking I have some that are too tight. Before I take these back I want to know I'm checking this right.

 

[swflastang05]

I've been told you can take an old lash adjuster apart to remove the "guts" then you will have a completely collapsed one to measure with. IDK if you just squeeze all the oil out if it would be the same height or not. I've messed around with one of my old ones and found it takes a lot to get all the oil out.

 

[05stroker]

What type of valve clearance are you trying to check?

 

[saleen07gt]

I've been told you can take an old lash adjuster apart to remove the "guts" then you will have a completely collapsed one to measure with. IDK if you just squeeze all the oil out if it would be the same height or not. I've messed around with one of my old ones and found it takes a lot to get all the oil out.

These lash adjusters are new (NO oil in them )and you can fully compress them with your fingers.

 

[saleen07gt]

What type of valve clearance are you trying to check?

.018-.031 on the valve clearance. I took the heads back to the machine shop, he said was going to take a few thousands off of the tip of the valves so they would be within Fords specs, he also said that they would be okay the way they are now. As anal as I am on some things, I still wanted him to make it right.

 

[AutoXRacer]

I thought thats what the hydraulic lash adjusters did...no need for clearancing like with solids?

Am I missing something?

 

[eighty6gt]

There's still a tolerance. Without dismantling a lifter I wouldn't be comfortable knowing I've crushed it down all the way, but as long as the guy doesn't go to the high side of the spec any gap should be able to get taken up.

 

[Lime1Gt]

I thought thats what the hydraulic lash adjusters did...no need for clearancing like with solids?

Am I missing something?

If a valve seat refinish is done the valve sinks deeper into the head therefore the stem protrudes higher than normal from the valve spring end. The stem end of the valve is then resurfaced to bring the stem height clearance back to spec.

 

[BeachMonkey100]

how are you checking the clearance? If you had an old adjuster it would be easier to gut it and use that one to check the clearance. I will be having to do the same thing soon

 

[saleen07gt]

how are you checking the clearance? If you had an old adjuster it would be easier to gut it and use that one to check the clearance. I will be having to do the same thing soon

You don't have to gut a lash adjuster, if there is no oil in the adjuster, it collapses easily just by applying some pressure to the top of the follower.

 

[BeachMonkey100]

well I have two sets that are used and probably still full of oil, I am sure it won't hurt to gut one anyways to use for checking the lash. I would rather have one gutted to collapse by itself instead of my trying to focus on two things at once.

 

[swflastang05]

I'm gutting an old one I have to check mine. Started messing with it the other day and found it's kinda tricky to pop the top off one. Maybe I'll mess with it more when I get home tonight.

 

[saleen07gt]

The only problem I had with gutting a lash adjuster is, How do you know when you have gutted it enough to be at a collapsed length ?

 

[swflastang05]

I took one apart tonight. After you pry the top cover off there's basically two round pieces inside along with a spring. Simply remove the spring then put the other parts back inside the housing and viola, you have a fully collapsed lash adjuster. Here's a few pics:

 

[BeachMonkey100]

Awesome! Took my guess work out of it, almost like the push rod lifters. Are you using the same one for each clearance check? or using a tool or what?

 

[swflastang05]

Awesome! Took my guess work out of it, almost like the push rod lifters. Are you using the same one for each clearance check? or using a tool or what?

I'll be using the same one to check mine, just move it around as needed. I also have an adjustable one that came with the TF degree wheel mod kit, not quite sure how to use it yet though!

 

[BeachMonkey100]

How does anyone clean their lash adjusters? I took the ones out I had for a build and need to either clean them up or something. Carb cleaner? Or parts cleaner? Or just soak them in new oil? not sure if it's important to have all the old oil out or make sure it's fresh? any input?

 

[eighty6gt]

I think doing anything to them is a waste of time. I might throw them in oil so they stay somewhat primed for startup... it's very difficult to pressurize the oiling system on a mod motor before the first crank. Need to make a homeade oiler.

 

[BeachMonkey100]

I think doing anything to them is a waste of time. I might throw them in oil so they stay somewhat primed for startup... it's very difficult to pressurize the oiling system on a mod motor before the first crank. Need to make a homeade oiler.

I need to as well, I have seen the pressurized spray nozzle/bucket that exterminators use for bugs as pre oiling the motor but can't find it on google anymore.

 

[AutoXRacer]

Is it really that critical to prime the motor before first start up?

I would have thought the high quality assembly lube would protect everything until the oil pressure builds up. Since the motor typically does not start immediately, usually needs a couple of cranks, the oil pressure should be available by start up.

What does everyone else do?