This is the way I like to do them, it's simple and works although you aren't on the exact heal of the lobe.  The 1/4 turn method I used once when I was on a camping trip with no feeler gauges and I felt like adjusting my valves. (I was bored )  Worked real well, and I have 1.43 rockers.

   God Bless.   Tim                           http://yblockguy.com/

350ci Y-Block FED "Elwood", 301ci Y-Block Unibody LSR "Jake", 312ci Y-Block '58 F-100, 338ci Y-Block powered Model A Tudor

tim@yblockguy.com  Visalia, California    Just west of the Sequoias

When my truck had a worn engine and stock cam I could still get it to idle well and be nearly silent. Standing next to it with the hood closed you could not hear tappet noise.  I don't think FoMoCo would like to sell the cars if they were noisier than the scrubs with hydraulics.

Charlie I have experienced the same thing with jam nut rockers especially Dove's.  I think the reason is that while you are adjusting them there is an oil film between the threads and the underside of the jam nut.  When you get it set exactly as you want it and then snug up the jam nut you squeeze the oil out and the adjustment is slightly wide usually .001 or .002". It is annoying.  Many Yblock people obsess over valve lash but especially with stock cams it is not that critical

Doug T

The Highlands, Louisville, Ky.

OK, that falls into the clearance area ok. thank you. regards bill.

  AussieBill            YYYY    Forever Y Block     YYYY

 Down Under, Australia

It's MUSIC! At least to my ears.

Gerald Ingram aka "Gritsngumbo"
Monroe, LA
LITTLE RED: 64 Ford F100 Short Bed Styleside
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CREW CAB: 63 F100 "Stageway" Crew Cab w/Long "Wrong" Bed

Thanks Charlie.I just went through and readjusted all.They were tight.Set them with .020 feeler gauge and they dont sound excessively noisey at startup so I think I got it.Idles MUCH better now.Got 18 vacuum in neutral and 15.5 in drive with only a slight flicker on the vacuum gauge which will settle down with break in I'm sure.You may recall my post back aways where I couldnt get it to idle in drive.After getting a lot of advice from Steve (Greenbird56) think I have finally got it sorted out.PCV,carbsetup and adjustment,as well as shimming the distributor and now getting the valves properly adjusted.Running VERY close to what I expected when I rebuilt this motor.Its taken quite a while and some trial and error to sort it out but thanks to a lot of help from many people on this site I think I GOT IT!I did find #5 plug was fouled (rich) from spark breakdown.It would fire at idle but lose fire under load.Replaced the plug and then the wire which I think was the problem.Still getting buildup on that plug but could there be a lot of carbon(fuel residue) in the cylinder which will clear as its driven?Must have been breaking down all along.Its firing now because the idle is much better .Thanks

  

It's probably 1.43:1 if they're original.

I found that jam nut style adjusters took some practice when I first used them. At first, every time I tightened the nut, the lash would end up a hair tight. Now I have a pretty good feel for it and usually get it right the first try.


Lawrenceville, GA

Thanks Charlie.Didnt know that.Whats the ratio on the 55 292 arms?

  

That method assumes the use of 1.54:1 rockers. The screw is 20 threads per inch. 1/20 = .05", .05*1.54 = .077", .077/4 = .01925"

With 1.43:1 rockers, it will be about .018" With 1.6:1 rockers, it will be .02"

Still pretty close in any case.


Lawrenceville, GA

Hello Aussiebill. There is an article somewhere from one of the T-Bird clubs.Someone did some mathematical calculations based on the pitch of the adjuster threads. 1/4 turn of the screw is .0192 lash which is about as close to .019 as you can get.If there is wear on the rocker arm its almost impossible to get an accurate reading with a feeler gauge.1/4 turn is more accurate with old rocker arms.I set my valves turning the motor 1/4 turn starting with #1 cylinder(on compression) and follow the firing order one at a time.Thanks Charlie!I am hard of hearing so I asked my buddy if he could hear any lifter noise once warmed up.Says no so I will get into it today and reset the valves.I will ask him again once I readjust the valves.

  

They should make some noise but if it starts sounding like an air cooled VW, something is wrong.


Lawrenceville, GA