Valve Gapping Tool

[Mike Gaines]

I have this LSM tool for setting valve lash.
It is a pint sized click-click torque wrench pre-set at 20lbs, which is pretty standard for the torque on your rocker arms.
It comes with various size t-handle allen wrenches which fit the different lock nuts.
It makes setting the valve lash easier and you know you have the right torque. I tighten the lock nut down until the tool "clicks" then give it about another 1/8 turn. Works great.
Summit and Jegs have it.

 

[LemonWedge]

Thanks for the tip, Mike. I’ve always just used a wrench, allen wrench & feeler guage, but would like to have a better setup. I think I’ll grab one of these.

 

[BDF6]

I just saw Finnegan using one on his gasser:

 

[dvw]

I have this LSM tool for setting valve lash.
It is a pint sized click-click torque wrench pre-set at 20lbs, I tighten the lock nut down until the tool "clicks" then give it about another 1/8 turn. Works great.
Great tool. Once it clicks it's reached 20lb/ft. Anymore movement will over torque the adjuster.
Doug

 

[Mike Gaines]

So, Doug...are you saying I should just tighten until the wrench "clicks" and then NOT nudge it another 1/8 turn. Let me know, thanks, mike

 

[cdr]

So, Doug...are you saying I should just tighten until the wrench "clicks" and then NOT nudge it another 1/8 turn. Let me know, thanks, mike

That is how I use mine, 20ftlb

 

[dvw]

Yes, it clicks at the preset torque.
Doug

 

[TetanusShot]

I thought it was 22lbs? I have that tool as well and love it! I use it for tightening spark plugs on the hemi after lashing valves too. Made in USA. Its a quality piece of equipment.

 

[biomedtechguy]

I thought it was 22lbs?

According to the video, it is 22 lbs.

 

[dvw]

TQ-100 Valve Lash Adjusting Torque Wrench and when to stop pulling: The tool will not make a "click" sound, but you will feel a "break" when pulled to the right torque. The tool is set to 22 ft/lbs, but because of the short handle it will feel a lot higher - just keep pulling. For practice you can put a bolt in a vice to get a feel of the "break". Just remember to make sure your socket is fully engaged so you do not strip the torque head. LSM Valve Lash Adjusting Wrenches

 

[Mike Gaines]

TQ-100 Valve Lash Adjusting Torque Wrench and when to stop pulling: The tool will not make a "click" sound, but you will feel a "break" when pulled to the right torque. The tool is set to 22 ft/lbs, but because of the short handle it will feel a lot higher - just keep pulling. For practice you can put a bolt in a vice to get a feel of the "break". Just remember to make sure your socket is fully engaged so you do not strip the torque head. LSM Valve Lash Adjusting Wrenches

You are right...my LSM tool does NOT make a click sound...it does "break" when at the right torque.

 

[biomedtechguy]

I've NEVER adjusted lash, ever.
The prospect of doing it is a little intimidating, BUT if it can be done cold, all the better. I have seen tools like this or at least a 2 part tool used on TV that looks like it makes the job easier.
I sold my stock 440 valve covers to a friend who is into the factory original correct look, and I asked for a set of ratty stock valve covers thinking if I had to adjust the valves hot, I could cut out just enough of the top of the valve cover to make the measurements and adjust the valves without oil spraying all over. Am I totally off base with that idea? Is there a preference for adjusting hot vs cold and if your preference is hot PLEASE make a damn strong case for that.
Is there a better way to adjust the lash on a hot engine?

 

[Mike Gaines]

I've NEVER adjusted lash, ever.
The prospect of doing it is a little intimidating, BUT if it can be done cold, all the better. I have seen tools like this or at least a 2 part tool used on TV that looks like it makes the job easier.
I sold my stock 440 valve covers to a friend who is into the factory original correct look, and I asked for a set of ratty stock valve covers thinking if I had to adjust the valves hot, I could cut out just enough of the top of the valve cover to make the measurements and adjust the valves without oil spraying all over. Am I totally off base with that idea? Is there a preference for adjusting hot vs cold and if your preference is hot PLEASE make a damn strong case for that.
Is there a better way to adjust the lash on a hot engine?

You DO NOT have to adjust your valve lash HOT. You can do it cold. I set mine a 6 thousand tighter than recommended when HOT. I have double checked after I set them cold, then fire up the motor and let it heat up good and then go in and merely check a few clearances and they loosen up the 6 thousand when everything gets hot.
Iron heads have a different ratio hot to cold than my aluminum heads. Don't know what the diff is on iron heads (if you have iron heads).

 

[dvw]

Mine are done cold every 20-25 passes. Do it in the trailer before the trip to the track, cleaner environment. Starter button on the firewall helps. I keep all the tools to do it in the LSM box the tool came in. A note book log is kept to record the history of each valves change made if it was needed. Takes me about 15 minutes.
Doug