Timing before checking valves?

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Kent

Pedal Head
SILVER Star
Joined
Dec 3, 2006
Threads
58
Messages
405
Location
South Dakota
Does it matter if my timing has not been dialed in perfect before I check valve clearances? I suspect it makes no difference but would like confirmation of this.

Thanks
 
not sure on the answer but any reason you would not just get it dialed in and then do the valves?
 
The reason is I don't have a timing light at the moment but I do have feeler gauges.
 
If you are checking, and adjusting with the motor off, all you need is the TDC line on the timing mark. Make sure your rotor is pointing toward the #1 wire for the first check, otherwise you will be 180* off. TDC line doesn't care where your timing is adjusted.
 
Ok thanks. I didn't think the valve clearances were affected by timing. I am under the impression the motor should be warmed up when checking them correct? They can be checked with it running correct?
 
Warm definately. Running yes, though I have only checked with the motor off, and in position by the TDC mark. There is good information in the FAQ on valve adjustment.
 
Two are not related, valve clearance has to do with the rotation of the engine, so you will need to rotate the engine to adjust the valve clearance. Timing is the ignition point in relation to the cylinder movement, so turning the distributor will have no impact on when the valves open or close, only when the spark will happen. So warm the engine and adjust those valves.
 
I am under the impression the motor should be warmed up when checking them correct? They can be checked with it running correct?
Yes, at operating temperature.

No, solid lifters are checked with engine off and valves closed.

:cheers:
 
Thanks guys, this is on my list for tomorrow night.
 
If you have an aftermarket cam shaft, such as the MAF RV Cam ,do set the gap the same as Stock Specs or something different?

The cam grinder will print that on the cam tag, along w/ degree info.
 
valvetrain vs ignition timing

the valvetrain timing relates to timing the lift (or lack of) of the valves to the crank position and therefore piston position

The ignition timing times the firing of the spark relative to the piston position

so the valvetrain is timed to the crank and so is the ignition but for different reasons and physically changing one will not change the other

The correct clearance or lash of a solid lifter allows the valve to close all the way and open as far as it should. When the lifter has gap the spring is holding the valves closed so you can have compression

If you are thinking of changing the cam it should be one with a solid lifter grind ---the ramp up rate on the lobes are not as abrupt as they are on cams designed for hydro lifters

Unless that is if someone makes hyd lifters for a 40 and a hyd cam to suit also--have not even looked at that so I cant say

I would miss the tickety tick:D
 
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