Adjusting solid lifters
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| − | ==Adjusting | + | ==Adjusting lash== |
{{Note1}}Expect the lash to change (often it will tighten) on a new cam and lifters (not a lot, but noticeable) until the valve train is bedded in together. Once this is done, you won't need to adjust the lash very often, although you still need to occasionally check it. A good time to check the lash is at oil change intervals or before competition. | {{Note1}}Expect the lash to change (often it will tighten) on a new cam and lifters (not a lot, but noticeable) until the valve train is bedded in together. Once this is done, you won't need to adjust the lash very often, although you still need to occasionally check it. A good time to check the lash is at oil change intervals or before competition. | ||
| − | == | + | ==Manufacturer's cold adjustment/first start up recommendations== |
Because all engines are different, be sure to use this as a guide only. Checking what '''''your''''' engine does is important because of the variables involved. | Because all engines are different, be sure to use this as a guide only. Checking what '''''your''''' engine does is important because of the variables involved. | ||
*In many cases the hot lash setting may be used for initial start-up unless the manufacturer's instructions say to do otherwise. If there's any question as to what cold lash to use for start up, refer to manufacturer's instructions. | *In many cases the hot lash setting may be used for initial start-up unless the manufacturer's instructions say to do otherwise. If there's any question as to what cold lash to use for start up, refer to manufacturer's instructions. | ||
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*Then after a '''complete''' cool-down (overnight is good), the lash is remeasured and recorded for future use when checking/setting the lash ''cold''. That will get it '''right''' as opposed to ''close''. | *Then after a '''complete''' cool-down (overnight is good), the lash is remeasured and recorded for future use when checking/setting the lash ''cold''. That will get it '''right''' as opposed to ''close''. | ||
| − | + | ===Comp Cams=== | |
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;Setting Solid Lifter Valve Lash | ;Setting Solid Lifter Valve Lash | ||
Consult the cam spec card for the correct lash specification. All COMP Cams® spec cards list the “hot” (operating temperature) lash setting, but it will also work for initial start-up. | Consult the cam spec card for the correct lash specification. All COMP Cams® spec cards list the “hot” (operating temperature) lash setting, but it will also work for initial start-up. | ||
| − | + | ===Crane=== | |
The same basic adjustment procedure (as used with hydraulic lifters) should be used for mechanical lifter cams. Instead of lifter preload, you must use the clearance specs on the cam card for your cam. | The same basic adjustment procedure (as used with hydraulic lifters) should be used for mechanical lifter cams. Instead of lifter preload, you must use the clearance specs on the cam card for your cam. | ||
Also see '''[[Adjusting solid lifters#Compensating for a Cold Engine when Adjusting Valve Lash|Info from Crane]]'''. | Also see '''[[Adjusting solid lifters#Compensating for a Cold Engine when Adjusting Valve Lash|Info from Crane]]'''. | ||
| − | + | ===Lunati=== | |
To adjust VALVE LASH ON MECHANICAL (solid) LIFTER CAMS, follow the same basic procedure as above (adjust with lifter on base circle of cam). Instead of hydraulic lifter | To adjust VALVE LASH ON MECHANICAL (solid) LIFTER CAMS, follow the same basic procedure as above (adjust with lifter on base circle of cam). Instead of hydraulic lifter | ||
| − | pre-load and zero lash, use the valve lash specs printed on your Lunati cam spec card. | + | pre-load and zero lash, use the valve lash specs printed on your Lunati cam spec card. |
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==Tips== | ==Tips== | ||
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;Return to [[Adjusting solid lifters#Cold adjustment for first start up|''Cold adjustment'']], above. | ;Return to [[Adjusting solid lifters#Cold adjustment for first start up|''Cold adjustment'']], above. | ||
| − | + | ===Setting Valve Lash on Mechanical Cams=== | |
All the valves must be set individually and only when the lifter is properly located on the base circle of the lobe. At this position the valve is closed and there is no lift taking place. How will you know when the valve you are adjusting is in the proper position with the lifter on the base circle of the cam? This can be accomplished by watching the movement of the valves. | All the valves must be set individually and only when the lifter is properly located on the base circle of the lobe. At this position the valve is closed and there is no lift taking place. How will you know when the valve you are adjusting is in the proper position with the lifter on the base circle of the cam? This can be accomplished by watching the movement of the valves. | ||
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# Both valves on this cylinder are now adjusted, so move to your next cylinder and follow the same procedure again. In the future you may find shortcuts to this method, but it still remains the best way to do the job correctly. | # Both valves on this cylinder are now adjusted, so move to your next cylinder and follow the same procedure again. In the future you may find shortcuts to this method, but it still remains the best way to do the job correctly. | ||
| − | + | ===Using Valve Lash to Help Tune the Engine (aka "lash loop")=== | |
Ideally, the cam- if selected carefully- should be right when using the manufacturer's recommendations for lash and phasing (advance/retard vs. the crankshaft). But if there have been changes made to the engine or the cam isn't ideal, using a "Lash Loop" will point you in the direction the engine needs when replacing the cam. | Ideally, the cam- if selected carefully- should be right when using the manufacturer's recommendations for lash and phasing (advance/retard vs. the crankshaft). But if there have been changes made to the engine or the cam isn't ideal, using a "Lash Loop" will point you in the direction the engine needs when replacing the cam. | ||
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This shows the engine a smaller cam with slightly less actual running duration and lift. You can use this method on a trial basis to see what the engine responds to and keep the setting that works the best. Just remember, the more lash you run, the noisier the valve train will be. If the clearance is excessive it can be harsh on the other valve train components. Therefore, for prolonged running of the engine we do not recommend increasing the amount of hot lash by more than +0.004" from the recommended setting. Nor do we recommend decreasing the hot lash by more than -0.008". | This shows the engine a smaller cam with slightly less actual running duration and lift. You can use this method on a trial basis to see what the engine responds to and keep the setting that works the best. Just remember, the more lash you run, the noisier the valve train will be. If the clearance is excessive it can be harsh on the other valve train components. Therefore, for prolonged running of the engine we do not recommend increasing the amount of hot lash by more than +0.004" from the recommended setting. Nor do we recommend decreasing the hot lash by more than -0.008". | ||
| − | + | ===Tight lash warning=== | |
"Tight Lash" camshafts cannot deviate from the recommended hot lash setting by more than +0.002" ''increase'', or -0.004" ''decrease''. "Tight Lash" cams are those which have recommended valve settings of only 0.010", 0.012", or 0.014" on the specification card. These lobe designs have very short clearance ramps and cannot tolerate any increase in the recommended valve lash. The extra clearance can cause severe damage to valve train components. | "Tight Lash" camshafts cannot deviate from the recommended hot lash setting by more than +0.002" ''increase'', or -0.004" ''decrease''. "Tight Lash" cams are those which have recommended valve settings of only 0.010", 0.012", or 0.014" on the specification card. These lobe designs have very short clearance ramps and cannot tolerate any increase in the recommended valve lash. The extra clearance can cause severe damage to valve train components. | ||
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