The Ford Barn

Mulletwagon · 03-21-2019, 06:52 PM

It seems the typical exhaust sound of a Model A is a precise and distinct staccato repetition similar to the sustained report of a .50 caliber M2. My Model A exhaust sounds like a low muffled monotone with an irregular but noticeable wispy puff sound. Sounds like “putt, putt, pfst, putt,pfst, pfst, putt, putt, pfst”, etc. It has an electronic ignition and I just installed Champion W16Y plugs. The PO had the engine remaned by a reputable builder but sadly passed on after the engine was just broken in. I suspect the valve lash was never readjusted after break in. I cannot hear any tappet clacking and am thinking insufficient valve clearance may be a possibility. The engine does not miss but seems to be a little low on power and has a slightly rough idle. I will pull the manifolds and valve cover to check the valve clearance but just curious if anybody can describe the indications of too tight or too loose valve lash.

03-21-2019, 06:52 PM	#1
Mulletwagon Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Florida Panhandle Posts: 634	Valve Lash It seems the typical exhaust sound of a Model A is a precise and distinct staccato repetition similar to the sustained report of a .50 caliber M2. My Model A exhaust sounds like a low muffled monotone with an irregular but noticeable wispy puff sound. Sounds like “putt, putt, pfst, putt,pfst, pfst, putt, putt, pfst”, etc. It has an electronic ignition and I just installed Champion W16Y plugs. The PO had the engine remaned by a reputable builder but sadly passed on after the engine was just broken in. I suspect the valve lash was never readjusted after break in. I cannot hear any tappet clacking and am thinking insufficient valve clearance may be a possibility. The engine does not miss but seems to be a little low on power and has a slightly rough idle. I will pull the manifolds and valve cover to check the valve clearance but just curious if anybody can describe the indications of too tight or too loose valve lash.