Setting Tappet Clearances

Posted by Vince Falter on Oct. 24, 1998 at 12:18:10

In Reply to: Re: Setting Clearances
posted by Bob Carabbio on Oct. 24, 1998 at 11:56:10

The August 1932 Service Bulletins indicate to set the
"A" and "B" intake valves at 0.010 - 0.013
"A" Exhaust Valves ("A" camshaft) to 0.015 - 0.017
"B" Exhaust Valves ("B" camshaft) to 0.020 - 0.022

The "A" and "B" camshafts had different cam profiles, especially the exhausts, and the clearances above agree with what is specified on the original for cam drawings. (I have copies).
I agree, set the exhausts loose so as not to burn them. I can't explain why the standard answer during "A" days was 0.010-0.013 for exhausts; maybe that explains why you see so many burned exhausts on "A"s. I'd go with 0.015 minimum with "A" camshaft. My 32 "B" is set at 0.021 with an original cam, and is just fine.
Vince Falter


: Rods should be at 0.001 - 0.0025 as checked with Plastiguage at 45 ft pounds torque.

: Wrist pins at 0.0003-0.0005.
: Ring end clearance should be 0.012 to 0.015 for the top, 0.010-0.012 for the middle, and 0.008 - 0.010 for the oil ring.

: There's some controversy about valves, but I've always set to the 0.010 - 0.013 spec generally going toward the 0.013 for the exhausts, and toward the 0.010 for the Intake. I prefer the original tappets instead of the modern adjustables.

: Guide clearance should be 0.001-0.0015 for intakes, and 0.0015 - 0.002 for exhaust. This is not too critical, but if you're matching valves to guides, use the looser ones on the exhaust.

: NOTE: Make sure your Exhaust valves are really exhaust valves while I know there are good magnetic exhaust valves out there, If you're not sure what you have, non-magnetic valves (stainless) are a safer bet for exhaust than magnetic ones which may be too soft (the old repro-part syndrome). I've seen valves with magnetic stems and non-magnetic heads which are O.K. also.




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