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Old 02-18-2021, 10:39 AM   #1
Fred A
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Default Second Thoughts on Valve Lash?

My '40 came with a 59A engine that had an Isky full cam and valve rotators. The car had not run since '71 and partial teardown made it clear that it was very fresh. I replaced the cam with a stock EA and set the lash for the rotators which is somewhat greater than for the earlier cams. The rotator thing was new to me and now that the engine is assembled I'm concerned that 1953 spec is not right for the earlier cam. I have brought this question before and got mixed answers. This can't be a rare issue but still concerned. Thanks: Fred A
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Old 02-18-2021, 01:53 PM   #2
Aarongriffey
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Default Re: Second Thoughts on Valve Lash?

I’ve always hear just set both intake and exhaust to .015 with th early cams.
They’ll not be too tight but still quiet.
Let’s see what other readers say.
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Old 02-18-2021, 01:55 PM   #3
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Default Re: Second Thoughts on Valve Lash?

Im of the mind that the lash spec is a function of the lobe profile not what its pushing against. Altho engine temp is a consideration i dont think they ran any hotter
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Old 02-18-2021, 02:05 PM   #4
Ross F-1
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Default Re: Second Thoughts on Valve Lash?

I've always assumed the rotators determine the clearance. The specs changed when they went to rotators. The same cam was spec'd on trucks whether it had rotators or not.
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Old 02-18-2021, 03:31 PM   #5
flatjack9
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Default Re: Second Thoughts on Valve Lash?

I'm of the belief that the cam dictates the valve lash. I think Ford went to the EA camshaft when the rotators were introduced. I set most of my cams at .012 intake and .014 exhaust.
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Old 02-18-2021, 03:34 PM   #6
jetmek
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Default Re: Second Thoughts on Valve Lash?

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Ford may have had other variables in mind as well such as changes to ignition timing and use of automatic transmissions
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Old 02-18-2021, 03:51 PM   #7
Fred A
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Default Re: Second Thoughts on Valve Lash?

Still not sure which way to go. The new cam is an EA but is for a two bolt distributor. I also have an new EAB if needed for a side distributor. Thanks again: Fred A
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Old 02-18-2021, 07:54 PM   #8
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Default Re: Second Thoughts on Valve Lash?

Never heard of an EA cam for an early engine.
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Old 02-18-2021, 08:12 PM   #9
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Default Re: Second Thoughts on Valve Lash?

Quote:
Originally Posted by flatjack9 View Post
Never heard of an EA cam for an early engine.
Fairly common regrind conversion.
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Old 02-19-2021, 06:56 AM   #10
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Default Re: Second Thoughts on Valve Lash?

Years ago I had a Harley I put solid lifters in. You could not set the valves with a feeler gauge due to the ball and socket design of the push rod and lifter so the instructions said to just set them to zero lash, when the push rod just begins to turn freely. Heat of the cylinders caused them to grow so that was the lash when hot.
My understanding is that it is most important to not be too tight. As well as sealing the valve depends on solid contact with the seat for cooling.
If not sure set them at 0.015 and if it is noisy tighten it up a bit. You'll probably be okay. I cannot understand how the profile has anything to do with the lash unless it involves heat expansion.
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Old 02-19-2021, 01:14 PM   #11
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Default Re: Second Thoughts on Valve Lash?

I've run the rotators on several Max#1 cams ans tge EAB cam in the truck. I'd like to try the 1007B with them
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