I had a heck of a noise going on in my 350 V8 chevy engine. I checked it out and one of the rocker arms was quite loose. I am reading up on how to set the clearance on the lifters. I snag #1 cyl and get it at TDC using the marks on the flywheel. I can tell the cyl # by the stamp on the engine block. Then I can set certain exhaust and intakes to proper clearance. No problem since all the cylinder numbers are marked on the head. 1. BUT how do I tell which is exhaust and which is the intake valve with the intake manifold on? Been looking in the book and I see no info on that. Then I move and set it for #6 cyl and then do the rest of the rocker settings. 2. Been wondering how come that rocker was so loose. As I understand it, the hydraulic lifter is just an oil filled damper chamber to take up erratic slackness within fine limits. If it was stuck it would make a clicking noise, but would not be THAT loose? Or do I misunderstand? thx BSA

You normally don't have to adjust hydraulic lifter valve lash after the initial adjustment. Try some Sea Foam or something else made to free stuck lifters before you horse around with this. You could have a bad lifter(s) or flattened cam lobe(s). I put cams and new lifters in a Ford 352 and a Chevy 350. Used the method below, and never adjusted rockers with the engine running. No problems. Start at TDC #1 and work around the valves in firing order per the instructions below. Zero lash means when the pushrod stops turning freely in your fingers as you tighten down the rocker. You should be able to find a picture to sort out intake from exhaust. I think the exhaust is on the left as you face the head, but find a picture. Think hard about what you're doing, and what the actual problem is. I've got the feeling you're wasting your time. "Hold the phone!! Everyone cover their toes cause I am about to start stomping...... We have covered this many times. Chiltons is a piss poor way to set...

How to tell intake and exhaust valve with the intake manifold on?

Apr 08, 2011 42 Replies

Rate this thread:

BSAKing 15 years ago

You must mean a Dial Indicator

Exactly! One of dose dere tings. Thanks for the correction! That's exactly what it was.

I now have the A/C, alternator, distributor, intake, carb etc off and have to disconnect the rad and get the fan shroud out of there before pulling the engine. Should be fun! I have never done any of this before.....

Vote

N8N 15 years ago

Ayup. my dad had this problem on a '73 307 (truck motor) with not too many miles on it IIRC. I was still a little kid when it had the cam replaced. (at least I think it was the 307. Might have been the junkyard 350 that replaced it. There's a looooong story in there that would probably amuse the group, but I haven't time to relate it ATM.)

nate

Vote

auskid069 9 years ago

Seems as though your the one person that's upset over the smallest question and answer blog here, take a chill pill mate. I learnt a thing or two reading this post and all you done was get up in arms about f*ck all. God save your arse ole pal.

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required