Adjusting the valves on a 1968 Ford 302 engine with hydraulic lifters has to be done right for it to have an impact on the engine’s performance and length of service. The hydraulic lifters are specifically created to maintain no valve lash ensuring that there is quietness and efficiency in running. For this system to work well, it should be properly set up by adjusting the valves. So how do you go about adjusting valves? Here are some steps.
Preliminary Preparations:
- Engine State: Ensure that the engine is cold; this is crucial for accurate adjustment.
- Safety Measures: During this process, disconnecting the battery is necessary because it ensures safety.
- Workspace: Well-ventilated places with good lighting conditions make great workplaces.
- Tools Required: Some basic hand tools like wrenches, a socket set, feeler gauge and a flat-head screwdriver will be needed.
Procedure:
1.Removing Valve Covers:
- Begin by removing the valve covers in order to expose both rocker arms as well as valves. Use proper socket or wrench to loosen and remove the valve cover bolts.
2.Finding Top Dead Center (TDC):
- It’s essential to set valve adjustment when piston reaches TDC (top dead center) during compression stroke. Remove spark plug from #1 cylinder (closest to radiator) and rotate crankshaft manually until piston reaches TDC; use screwdriver in spark plug hole piston push upward confirms TDC.Removal
3.Valve Adjustment:
- Eliminate Lash: Start with number one cylinder and adjust one of its valves before moving on next one .Loosen rocker arm nut so that you can spin pushrod easily with your fingers.Screw down rocker arm nut slowly till there is zero lash.Zero lash refers to when you can just barely not spin pushrod anymore
- Setting Preload: After reaching zero lash, tighten the rocker arm nut an additional half turn to three quarter turn setting lifter preload. This will ensure that the hydraulic lifter is properly seated and can compensate for expansion/contraction during engine operation.
- Double-Check: Verify that you have correctly set preload and valve closes completely. Inaccurate adjustment could lead to issues like burnt valves or excess wear.
- Other Cylinders: Repeat this for each valve in the engine, following the firing order specified by your car’s manufacturer.
4.Reassembly:
- Once all of the valves are adjusted, reinstall the valve covers using new gaskets. Tighten the valve cover bolts to manufacturer’s torque specifications.
5.Start the Engine:
- Reconnect battery and start engine. Listen carefully for any abnormal sounds. If you hear something unusual, immediately turn off engine and investigate it.
Final Thoughts:
Adjusting valves on a 1968 Ford 302 engine with hydraulic lifters is a very delicate job but extremely lucrative. Done right, this process could help extend your engine’s life span as well as improve its performance. Follow manufacturers’ recommendations at all times; if in doubt about any step, consult an expert. It is a vintage engine which can be kept running smooth many more years by treating it well
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