Understanding Solid Lifters

Solid lifters, unlike hydraulic lifters, require manual adjustment to maintain proper valve clearance. This process, known as setting valve lash, is crucial for optimal engine performance. Without a cam card specifying the exact lash settings, adjusting solid lifters can seem daunting. However, there are methods to achieve proper adjustment even without specific cam specifications.

General Lash Settings

When cam specifications are unavailable, a good starting point is to set intake valves to .016 inches and exhaust valves to .018 inches. These measurements are generally considered safe for most solid lifter setups. However, it's important to note that these are baseline figures and may need fine-tuning based on engine performance.

Step-by-Step Adjustment Process

1. Engine Preparation

  • Ensure the engine is cold before beginning the adjustment process.
  • Remove valve covers to access the rocker arms and valve stems.

2. Finding the Right Position

  • Rotate the engine until the exhaust valve for the cylinder you're adjusting begins to open.
  • At this point, the intake valve for that cylinder will be fully closed and ready for adjustment.

3. Adjusting the Intake Valve

  • Insert the appropriate feeler gauge (.016 inches) between the rocker arm and valve stem.
  • Tighten the rocker arm nut until you feel a slight drag on the feeler gauge.
  • Lock the adjustment in place using the lock nut or poly lock.

4. Adjusting the Exhaust Valve

  • Rotate the engine until the intake valve begins to open.
  • Now the exhaust valve is ready for adjustment.
  • Use a .018 inch feeler gauge and follow the same process as the intake valve.

5. Repeat for All Cylinders

  • Follow this process for each cylinder, working in the engine's firing order.

Fine-Tuning the Adjustment

If you're unsure about the initial settings, you can use the "spin the pushrod" method:

  • Adjust the rocker arm until you can just spin the pushrod with your fingers.
  • From this zero-lash point, tighten the adjuster slightly (about 1/4 to 1/2 turn).
  • This method provides a good starting point for most engines.

Verifying the Adjustment

After setting all valves, it's crucial to verify the adjustment:

  • Start the engine and listen for any unusual ticking sounds.
  • A slight ticking is normal for solid lifters, but excessive noise may indicate too much lash.
  • If the engine runs smoothly and performs well, your adjustment is likely correct.

Importance of Regular Checks

Solid lifter engines require more frequent valve lash checks than hydraulic lifter engines. It's recommended to check and adjust valve lash every 2,000 to 3,000 miles to ensure optimal performance and prevent valve train damage.

Remember, these guidelines are general and may need to be adjusted based on your specific engine's characteristics and performance. If you're unsure, consulting with a professional mechanic or engine builder is always a wise decision.