Setting the valve gap
Much easier out of the engine bay. BS left me at #6 TDC, the place to be for cam install. So, some knowledge from the Mud site (thanks Big Jim, just say heck ya, clearly the best way). Break out your manuals. Find your firing order numbers and the other valve gap setting technique. Use the directions for the # 1 at TDC then #6 TDC gap setting technique to help ID your motor clocking. One set of 6 valves will be loose at # 1 TDC the other set at #6 TDC (not set so you can't tell then look at your pushrod levels, honest it all makes since once you get going). Before rotating your motor back off all the adjuster nuts. I don't think that it could happen but why take a chance at shoving a valve into a piston. So either one # 1 or # 6 at TDC, set the gap then rotate the motor 120 degrees to the next piston TDC in the firing order. proceed through your firng order setting the gaps one hole at a time. Use a flashlight to look through the plug holes and watch as your next piston rises to TDC just to make sure you don't lose track. Set all 6 holes this way then rotate through once more double checking your settings. Use a 1 and 3/4" socket and ratchet on that big ol front pulley nut, makes everything easier. After doing the following I ithink I will be looking for a set of go - no go feeler gages as suggested by Degnol (thanks Degnol). Use the (0.008", intake: 0.014", exhaust) feeler gages to set the timing, at first sliding them under the tappit and tighting the adjuster nut until the feeler gage pinches. feel the resistance as you pull the gage back and forth? If it is easy to pull the gage out then way too sloppy on the gap. If it is real hard to pull the gage out then you are compressing the valve spring. Thinking, dang, it is a feel thing, thanks, thanks alot, no help at all? Well no problem Amigo, After setting each valve gap go back with the next thousanths higher gage (0.009", intake: 0.015" exhaust), try to get it in the gap, if it slips in then you need to set to a slightly tighter feel. Bet after checking a few times you won't have to use the checker sizes. When starting a new gap setting make sure to have the size marks up so you can look down and say, yep right one every time. As you tighten the lock nuts make sure to resist adjuster bolt rotation by holding your screwdriver firmly, using it to resist rotation. The nut is a not too tight not too loose thing. I marked the intake valves by using a paint pin to place a mark on the head near each intake valve. Helped my easily confused mind keep track.
