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Valve Lash

Tony 69

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This has probably been discussed before but I need a refresher lesson. What is the best measurement to set valve lash on an unknown solid lifter cam? Preferably cold.
 
This has probably been discussed before but I need a refresher lesson. What is the best measurement to set valve lash on an unknown solid lifter cam? Preferably cold.
I would start at .025". That's a nice number given by many cam manufacturers. I'd say anywhere from .020"-.025" is safe.
 
Intake and exhaust?
The numbers I gave are good for both valves, but you can give the exhaust .002" extra lash if you feel safer doing that. One of my solid cams calls for .002" extra on the exhaust, another calls for same lash on both.
 
I would start at .025". That's a nice number given by many cam manufacturers. I'd say anywhere from .020"-.025" is safe.
Year's ago, for the GM/Corvette 327/300 HP aftermarket cam, the HOT issue, was the Zora-Arcus Dontov 30-30 cam......0.030" cold valve lash both intake and exhaust valves......sounded like a Singer sewing machine, idling at 1100 RPMs.....sounded wonderful and ran extremely well......7000 RPM max......don't remember the duration or lift specs..........just a passing thought.....
BOB RENTON
 
I'd go .015" with aluminum heads, .020" with iron heads. Lash will grow hot. Loose beats stuff up. A little tight won't hurt anything.
Doug
 
For what it's worth, my new VooDoo with aluminum heads calls for .014" per the cam card.
Doug is spot on.
 
Hot lash for my Hughes STL cam is .010" Intake / .012" Exhaust. I set mine cold at .008" Intake and .010" Exhaust and things have been fine. I have aluminum heads.
 
Hot lash for my Hughes STL cam is .010" Intake / .012" Exhaust. I set mine cold at .008" Intake and .010" Exhaust and things have been fine. I have aluminum heads.
If you check a few hot. I'll bet you could tighten it up. You have to work quickly as they cool very quick and change. With my -1's .020" hot is .014"-.015" cold
Doug
 
Update
Finally removed the valley pan and found the lifters are hydraulic. Valve train has been noisy since I got it so I was surprised, especially with roller rockers. The lifters push down pretty easily when going to adjust. I went zero lash plus 1/2 turn but can still push the lifter down by hand. I’m thinking crank the engine over to pump up the lifters and repeat. Does that sound right?
 
Yes, but it may need to be started and run to pump them up.
Doug
 
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