Valve Clearance: Adjustments

A .060 inch shorter pushrod or .060 inch longer pushrod is available for service to provide a means of compensating for dimensional changes in the valve mechanism. Valve stem-to-valve rocker arm clearance should be within specification with the hydraulic lifter completely collapsed.
Repeated valve reconditioning operations (valve seat and/or valve refacing) will decrease the valve opening clearance. The positive stop rocker arm bolt eliminates the necessity of adjusting the valve clearance. However, to obtain the specified valve clearance, it is important that all valve components be in a serviceable condition and tightened to specification.
If the clearance is less than specified, install a shorter pushrod. If the clearance is greater than specified, install a longer pushrod. To determine whether a shorter or longer pushrod is necessary, follow the procedure outlined below:
1. Disconnect brown lead (I terminal), then red and blue lead (S terminal) at starter relay.
2. Install auxiliary starter switch between battery and S terminals of starter relay.
3. Crank engine with ignition switch (off) to position number 1 piston at TDC at the end of the compression stroke, then check the following valves:
a. No. 1 intake, No. 1 exhaust.
b. No. 4 intake, No. 3 exhaust.
c. No. 8 intake, No. 7 exhaust.
4. Rotate crankshaft 360 degrees (one revolution) clockwise. Check the following valves:
a. No. 3 intake, No. 2 exhaust.
b. No. 7 intake, No. 6 exhaust.
5. Rotate crankshaft 90 degrees (1/4 revolution) clockwise. Check the following valves:
a. No. 2 intake, No. 4 exhaust.
b. No. 5 intake, No. 5 exhaust.
c. No. 6 intake, No. 8 exhaust.
6. Replace pushrods as necessary.