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Old 06-14-2010, 09:22 AM   #1
blown49
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Default Question on setting valves

I found a chart on the web for setting the valves in a flathead V-8. It suggests the following:
If 4EX & 1IN are open set 3EX, 8IN, 6IN, 7EX, 31N & 2EX
If 3EX & 8IN are open set 1EX, 7IN, 5EX, 2IN, 4EX & 1IN
If 1EX & 7IN are open set 8EX, 5IN, 6EX & 4IN

The question I have is in the first example (4EX & 1IN are open) what is the position of piston in cylinder #4. Is it TDC, BTC or somewhere in between and if somewhere in between how far down?
Thanks in advance,
Jim
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Old 06-14-2010, 10:02 AM   #2
Craig CT
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Default Re: Question on setting valves

It's at mid-stroke. Happy motoring, Craig.
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Old 06-14-2010, 10:27 AM   #3
xix32
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Default Re: Question on setting valves

try this concept: i found it to be a whole lot less confussing.
1) set piston #1 in the firing order at t.d.c., on compression, both intake and exhaust valves on that cylinder will be closed and on the heel of the cam.
set those both.
2) then turn the crank 90 degrees and set both valves of the next cylinder in the firing order.
3) then turn the crank another 90 degrees and do the next one,
4) repete untill you get them all.

i ground my stems for clearance. once you get that right, nothing can change.
and the stock lifters are lighter than adjustables.

Last edited by xix32; 06-14-2010 at 04:54 PM.
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Old 06-14-2010, 11:17 AM   #4
Ronnie
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Default Re: Question on setting valves

If you choose to set valves by firing order with #1 @ tdc compression and then follow follow the firing order you only need turn crank 90 deg to bring the next piston up to tdc. Two turns and you are done.There are a couple or other way's. It depends if the engine is in the car or on an engine stand crank in or out ect.

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Old 06-14-2010, 05:42 PM   #5
Pete
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Default Re: Question on setting valves

"1) set piston #1 in the firing order at t.d.c., on compression, both intake and exhaust valves on that cylinder will be closed and on the heel of the cam.
set those both."

WRONG...On a stock cam you may be able to get away with this but neither lobe will be centered on the heel.
With a modified cam, this method definetly will NOT work.
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Old 06-14-2010, 06:04 PM   #6
Ross in East Texas
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Default Re: Question on setting valves

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With nearly every cam shaft grind that I have ever encountered, at TDC compression the valves will be just rocking off of the seats and if you set the valves here you will definitely get incorrect valve lash settings. Do not rely on this method to determine the cam shaft heel.
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