I adjusted the valves, now it is missing like crazy? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

El_Crnicero · 08-14-2009, 01:15 AM

Hey all,
I haven't posted much but I use this site all the time and love it.
I recently rebuilt my 350 and have maybe 150 miles on it.
Not a major overhall but; camel hump heads, timing chain, cam, barely used lifters, rods, intake, and holly carb.

it ran great for a while and the valves came out of adjustment so today I took it apart to adjust them. the method i used was to get #1 to TDC and adjust the exhaust and intake valves accordingly and then to get #6 to TDC and do the same. When I finished I went to start it up and it ran like crap.
When I tightened the arm down I did not go past 3/4 turn past 0-lash on all of the arms. It sounds like its missing really bad. I went out and got new plugs cause several of them were bad/ not so clean since the valves came out of adjustment. Hopefully that will fix my problems? Do you guys have any suggestions?
Im a bit worried casue my pops told me i might have issues using used lifters with my new cam... I probably should have listened to his experience.
Thanks for you help!

mclairmo · 08-14-2009, 02:36 AM

I would adjust the valves while the engine is running. Buy clips to prevent oil splash or cut the tops off some old steel valve covers. Loosen each rocker arm nut until it clicks, then tighten it back up until it stops and then give it another 1/4 to 1/2 turn. This is the best method.

**truckdude239** · 08-14-2009, 06:40 AM

never never never use used lifters with a new cam specially if it is a flat tappet cam those lifters will wipe that cam out. which sounds like what happened

BluTrukker · 08-14-2009, 08:11 AM

I would also caution you against reusing lifters. However I think part of your problem may be that you tightened the valves down too much. I have never had to go past 1/2 turn with new parts.

cdowns · 08-14-2009, 08:30 AM

it's been my experience that hydraulic valves rarely go out of adjustment// i too think the valve"adjustment" is the cause of your problem

jay6891 · 08-14-2009, 08:52 AM

I would adjust with truck running also. Got my fingers crossed for ya on the used lifters on a new cam though. Check your oil and see if that new cam is down in the pan.

68gmsee · 08-14-2009, 09:19 AM

Great advice... I agree with all of the responses.

The only time I use the static method of adjustment is on initial startup after a rebuild or after new lifters to get them fairly close. The engine running method has always worked best.

The reason you don't want used lifters with a new cam is because the surfaces on the lifters have already mated with the old cam. That is, the initial new surface has already worn off. They may not be true or may have microscopic grooves on the surfaces.

I also agree that unless you have loose worn out adjusting nuts on the rockers or excessive wear, the hydraulic valves don't just all of a sudden go out of adjustment. If they start making noise, and everything is tight then it may be bad lifters.

El_Crnicero · 08-14-2009, 11:51 AM

Thanks guys,

When I pulled the covers off the first time I checked the remaining oil in the heads to see if there was any glitter, so far so good. I am going to keep a close eye on it though. Today I plan on cutting up an old set of my valve covers and giving that method a whirl.
I'll double check the wires before i put the new plugs in also, that was my pops first thought too.
If the valves are too tight right now, should I back them off until loose to get the truck to idle before I start adjusting them, by loose I mean just minimal lash.

Thanks again!

68gmsee · 08-14-2009, 12:06 PM

When you cut the top of the valve cover, cut just enough so you can get at the adjusting nuts. I cut only one cover on mine and did one side at a time.

A set of clips from Napa or an auto parts store would also help. Loosen the nuts up a little at a time until it runs at idle.

El_Crnicero · 08-14-2009, 12:10 PM

Thanks for the reply.

**D.PASSMORE** · 08-14-2009, 12:25 PM

Another thing, make sure using new locking nuts. I had a problem before, nut was backing off after about 100 miles. Sounds kinda weird...

mclairmo · 08-14-2009, 12:29 PM

My best buddy and I adjusted his valves just like the manual says, with the engine off and it would barely run. His old school Harley biker dad then came in, told us we were both idiots, adjusted the valves while the engine was running using the above described method and got it done in 5 minutes and it ran great. Sometimes, there is no replacement for experience.

El_Crnicero · 08-14-2009, 12:35 PM

Lol ^^^
I hear that. My problem is that I am a perfectionist and everything, needs to be done just right. Plus I think it was scared into me from the beginning that everything in engine work has to be dead nuts OR ELSE..
I'll just have to relax, take a breathe and go for it. thanks again.

pmpski_1 · 08-14-2009, 03:40 PM

I wish I would have listened to my Pops too. I'm just north of you in Kenmore. I think I may have seen you driving around. Truck looks familair.

El_Crnicero · 08-14-2009, 03:49 PM

uh oh guys I think I might have touble!!!

well that method worked well and its running nicely again, BUT....
I can't get the clicking out of one piston?
It seems to run fine, idles well, no loss of power, just that damn clicking.
What do yall think?
Should I start pricing out the cost to do "another cam and lifters"

pmpski_1
it might have been me? Im close to juanita beach, but I only finished priming the truck the day before goodguys, so about a month ago.

Thanks again everyone!

68gmsee · 08-14-2009, 04:24 PM

I'd try every additive I could before tearing down the engine for one ticking lifter.

The way I would do it is to try additives first then push rod and rocker. And if that fails, a new lifter or lifters. I say lifters, because if you're going to remove the intake you may as well go all the way.

El_Crnicero · 08-14-2009, 04:35 PM

any suggestions for additives out there?
also is it possible to have serious damage if i drive it this way with the click?
I guess there is no real way to answer that, I just want to drive it and have fun again.

I was planning on installing my new stereo and gauges on tuesday, maybe that will make the ticking go away

Thanks again

heavy70 · 08-14-2009, 04:37 PM

sounds like your cam is going flat! you will know when it starts popping!!!

big mike71 · 08-14-2009, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El_Crnicero

any suggestions for additives out there?
also is it possible to have serious damage if i drive it this way with the click?
I guess there is no real way to answer that, I just want to drive it and have fun again.

I was planning on installing my new stereo and gauges on tuesday, maybe that will make the ticking go away

Thanks again

I drove my chevelle with one clicking and not to many miles later my cam was flat spotted.

Ackattack · 08-14-2009, 04:43 PM

if you drive it with it clicking you'll start chewing up the ends of your pushrods....ask me how I know

I'd try adjusting the valves again on that cylinder to get the clicking to go away.

mclairmo · 08-14-2009, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ackattack

if you drive it with it clicking you'll start chewing up the ends of your pushrods....ask me how I know

I'd try adjusting the valves again on that cylinder to get the clicking to go away.

X2, adjust just the one clicking valve until it stops clicking.

Tx Firefighter · 08-14-2009, 09:36 PM

Sounds like you wiped a cam lobe.

You guys who adjust lifters with the engine running are foreign to me. If you adjust them properly with the engine off, you can seal it up forever and never get oil all over the place. I spend weeks detailing an engine when I build it and there is no way I'd have oil sloshing around and running down the side of the heads and block.

Jim_PA · 08-15-2009, 12:41 AM

I wiped a cam lobe years ago. Started ticking, and about 5 miles later, it was flat

**Boog** · 08-15-2009, 09:30 AM

It's all in how you learned to do them Kevin. You are more comfortable doing it dry. I am more comfortable doing it wet. edit: that didn't come out right.
You know what I mean. I trust my ears. Doing it running with the idle speed lowered it doesn't make that big a mess and the pecks are very noticeable. And using the no splash rocker clips or an old cover that's been opened up helps contain the oil. Once done it can be considered done forever also.

**mikey531** · 08-15-2009, 02:20 AM

You can wipe out a cam real quick. I did it in a race motor only had 20 laps of practice. Had to rebuild the whole engine again.. However it could just be a collapsed lifter that may come back after some use or a bent pushrod. If it is the cam you will know very soon!

08-14-2009, 02:36 AM	#2
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: I adjusted the valves, now it is missing like crazy? I would adjust the valves while the engine is running. Buy clips to prevent oil splash or cut the tops off some old steel valve covers. Loosen each rocker arm nut until it clicks, then tighten it back up until it stops and then give it another 1/4 to 1/2 turn. This is the best method.

08-14-2009, 06:40 AM	#3
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,238	Re: I adjusted the valves, now it is missing like crazy? never never never use used lifters with a new cam specially if it is a flat tappet cam those lifters will wipe that cam out. which sounds like what happened __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

08-14-2009, 08:11 AM	#4
BluTrukker BOHICA Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Stewartville, MN Posts: 440	Re: I adjusted the valves, now it is missing like crazy? I would also caution you against reusing lifters. However I think part of your problem may be that you tightened the valves down too much. I have never had to go past 1/2 turn with new parts. __________________ Trying to save someone from their own stupidity is like teaching a pig to dance. It is a waste of your time, and it annoys the pig!

08-14-2009, 08:30 AM	#5
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: I adjusted the valves, now it is missing like crazy? it's been my experience that hydraulic valves rarely go out of adjustment// i too think the valve"adjustment" is the cause of your problem __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

08-14-2009, 09:19 AM	#7
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: I adjusted the valves, now it is missing like crazy? Great advice... I agree with all of the responses. The only time I use the static method of adjustment is on initial startup after a rebuild or after new lifters to get them fairly close. The engine running method has always worked best. The reason you don't want used lifters with a new cam is because the surfaces on the lifters have already mated with the old cam. That is, the initial new surface has already worn off. They may not be true or may have microscopic grooves on the surfaces. I also agree that unless you have loose worn out adjusting nuts on the rockers or excessive wear, the hydraulic valves don't just all of a sudden go out of adjustment. If they start making noise, and everything is tight then it may be bad lifters.

08-14-2009, 01:15 AM	#1
El_Crnicero Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kirkland Wa. Posts: 25	I adjusted the valves, now it is missing like crazy? Hey all, I haven't posted much but I use this site all the time and love it. I recently rebuilt my 350 and have maybe 150 miles on it. Not a major overhall but; camel hump heads, timing chain, cam, barely used lifters, rods, intake, and holly carb. it ran great for a while and the valves came out of adjustment so today I took it apart to adjust them. the method i used was to get #1 to TDC and adjust the exhaust and intake valves accordingly and then to get #6 to TDC and do the same. When I finished I went to start it up and it ran like crap. When I tightened the arm down I did not go past 3/4 turn past 0-lash on all of the arms. It sounds like its missing really bad. I went out and got new plugs cause several of them were bad/ not so clean since the valves came out of adjustment. Hopefully that will fix my problems? Do you guys have any suggestions? Im a bit worried casue my pops told me i might have issues using used lifters with my new cam... I probably should have listened to his experience. Thanks for you help!

08-14-2009, 08:52 AM	#6
jay6891 Car Knocker Join Date: May 2001 Location: jefferson,arkansas Posts: 664	Re: I adjusted the valves, now it is missing like crazy? I would adjust with truck running also. Got my fingers crossed for ya on the used lifters on a new cam though. Check your oil and see if that new cam is down in the pan. __________________ 68 c-10,91 sportside bed,350 .030 over,4 bolt,10-1 comp,2.05 intake/1.94 exhaust,1.6 Harland Sharp roller rockers,edelbrock rpm cam and intake w/750 carb, 700r4, 3.73 gears,Jacabbs Electronic Igntion w/Accel HEI distributer and super coil. ZR-1 roll pan, filled tailights. Blazer tank. Hidden hitch. 2 1/2" Flowmaster 40's. Parts bought but not installed>> ford 9" posi with disc. CCP front and rear lowering kit 4/5. Cab corners,foor boards,rockers, cab braces, Phatom grill, Painless wiring kit.

08-14-2009, 11:51 AM	#8
El_Crnicero Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kirkland Wa. Posts: 25	Re: I adjusted the valves, now it is missing like crazy? Thanks guys, When I pulled the covers off the first time I checked the remaining oil in the heads to see if there was any glitter, so far so good. I am going to keep a close eye on it though. Today I plan on cutting up an old set of my valve covers and giving that method a whirl. I'll double check the wires before i put the new plugs in also, that was my pops first thought too. If the valves are too tight right now, should I back them off until loose to get the truck to idle before I start adjusting them, by loose I mean just minimal lash. Thanks again!

08-14-2009, 12:06 PM	#9
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: I adjusted the valves, now it is missing like crazy? When you cut the top of the valve cover, cut just enough so you can get at the adjusting nuts. I cut only one cover on mine and did one side at a time. A set of clips from Napa or an auto parts store would also help. Loosen the nuts up a little at a time until it runs at idle. Last edited by 68gmsee; 08-14-2009 at 12:07 PM.

08-14-2009, 12:10 PM	#10
El_Crnicero Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kirkland Wa. Posts: 25	Re: I adjusted the valves, now it is missing like crazy? Thanks for the reply.

08-14-2009, 12:25 PM	#11
D.PASSMORE One of the First Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: St. Augustine,FL. Posts: 4,060	Re: I adjusted the valves, now it is missing like crazy? Another thing, make sure using new locking nuts. I had a problem before, nut was backing off after about 100 miles. Sounds kinda weird... __________________ DAVID PASSMORE ST AUGUSTINE ,FL ZIP 32084 '71 SWB K/10 CUSTOM DELUXE (Chili) '72 BLAZER K/5 Muscle Truck (Mule) '72 LWB K/20 CHEYENNE (Blackie)

08-14-2009, 12:29 PM	#12
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: I adjusted the valves, now it is missing like crazy? My best buddy and I adjusted his valves just like the manual says, with the engine off and it would barely run. His old school Harley biker dad then came in, told us we were both idiots, adjusted the valves while the engine was running using the above described method and got it done in 5 minutes and it ran great. Sometimes, there is no replacement for experience.

08-14-2009, 12:35 PM	#13
El_Crnicero Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kirkland Wa. Posts: 25	Re: I adjusted the valves, now it is missing like crazy? Lol ^^^ I hear that. My problem is that I am a perfectionist and everything, needs to be done just right. Plus I think it was scared into me from the beginning that everything in engine work has to be dead nuts OR ELSE.. I'll just have to relax, take a breathe and go for it. thanks again.

08-14-2009, 03:40 PM	#14
pmpski_1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 505	Re: I adjusted the valves, now it is missing like crazy? I wish I would have listened to my Pops too. I'm just north of you in Kenmore. I think I may have seen you driving around. Truck looks familair. __________________ Curry in a Hurry: SB rebuild for my 71 C20

08-14-2009, 03:49 PM	#15
El_Crnicero Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kirkland Wa. Posts: 25	Re: I adjusted the valves, now it is missing like crazy? uh oh guys I think I might have touble!!! well that method worked well and its running nicely again, BUT.... I can't get the clicking out of one piston? It seems to run fine, idles well, no loss of power, just that damn clicking. What do yall think? Should I start pricing out the cost to do "another cam and lifters" pmpski_1 it might have been me? Im close to juanita beach, but I only finished priming the truck the day before goodguys, so about a month ago. Thanks again everyone!



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08-14-2009, 04:24 PM	#16
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: I adjusted the valves, now it is missing like crazy? I'd try every additive I could before tearing down the engine for one ticking lifter. The way I would do it is to try additives first then push rod and rocker. And if that fails, a new lifter or lifters. I say lifters, because if you're going to remove the intake you may as well go all the way.

08-14-2009, 04:35 PM	#17
El_Crnicero Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kirkland Wa. Posts: 25	Re: I adjusted the valves, now it is missing like crazy? any suggestions for additives out there? also is it possible to have serious damage if i drive it this way with the click? I guess there is no real way to answer that, I just want to drive it and have fun again. I was planning on installing my new stereo and gauges on tuesday, maybe that will make the ticking go away Thanks again

08-14-2009, 04:37 PM	#18
heavy70 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: choctaw, oklahoma Posts: 100	Re: I adjusted the valves, now it is missing like crazy? sounds like your cam is going flat! you will know when it starts popping!!!

08-14-2009, 04:43 PM	#20
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	Re: I adjusted the valves, now it is missing like crazy? if you drive it with it clicking you'll start chewing up the ends of your pushrods....ask me how I know I'd try adjusting the valves again on that cylinder to get the clicking to go away. __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

08-14-2009, 09:36 PM	#22
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: I adjusted the valves, now it is missing like crazy? Sounds like you wiped a cam lobe. You guys who adjust lifters with the engine running are foreign to me. If you adjust them properly with the engine off, you can seal it up forever and never get oil all over the place. I spend weeks detailing an engine when I build it and there is no way I'd have oil sloshing around and running down the side of the heads and block. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

08-15-2009, 12:41 AM	#23
Jim_PA Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: PA Posts: 2,696	Re: I adjusted the valves, now it is missing like crazy? I wiped a cam lobe years ago. Started ticking, and about 5 miles later, it was flat

08-15-2009, 09:30 AM	#24
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,585	Re: I adjusted the valves, now it is missing like crazy? It's all in how you learned to do them Kevin. You are more comfortable doing it dry. I am more comfortable doing it wet. edit: that didn't come out right. You know what I mean. I trust my ears. Doing it running with the idle speed lowered it doesn't make that big a mess and the pecks are very noticeable. And using the no splash rocker clips or an old cover that's been opened up helps contain the oil. Once done it can be considered done forever also. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

08-15-2009, 02:20 AM	#25
mikey531 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Exeter, NH Posts: 795	Re: I adjusted the valves, now it is missing like crazy? You can wipe out a cam real quick. I did it in a race motor only had 20 laps of practice. Had to rebuild the whole engine again.. However it could just be a collapsed lifter that may come back after some use or a bent pushrod. If it is the cam you will know very soon!

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