?? on checking piston to valve clearance
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Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Tampa Fl/Afghanistan
?? on checking piston to valve clearance
I am installing a TSP Torquer 2 cam (232/234 .595/.598), Cartek 3x heads milled .030, and Cometic .045 gaskets. I need a basline on my clearance to determine how much I need to flycut this weekend.
I'll be using the clay method, but have the following questions:
1) I have read that some use a gasket, while others do not and simply add the difference. comments?? I will be installing new .045 Cometics, but still have the old .053 stockers. I just don't want to screw up the new gaskets.
2) how many head bolts do you install? just those aroud the cylinder being checked? what torque?
3) what do you use for the lifter? I only have hydraulics lifters, but realize the preload will have an affect. also, should they be “dry” or oiled?
4) I have the Comp Cams 921 double valve set up – should I just go with this or can I remove one of the two springs?
After some initial discussions with Guy, I will cut .060 to be on the safe side - if not more once I get the readings.
I'll be using the clay method, but have the following questions:
1) I have read that some use a gasket, while others do not and simply add the difference. comments?? I will be installing new .045 Cometics, but still have the old .053 stockers. I just don't want to screw up the new gaskets.
2) how many head bolts do you install? just those aroud the cylinder being checked? what torque?
3) what do you use for the lifter? I only have hydraulics lifters, but realize the preload will have an affect. also, should they be “dry” or oiled?
4) I have the Comp Cams 921 double valve set up – should I just go with this or can I remove one of the two springs?
After some initial discussions with Guy, I will cut .060 to be on the safe side - if not more once I get the readings.
Last edited by huskeric; Dec 18, 2008 at 02:48 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,560
Likes: 739
From: panama city beach florida USA
St. Jude Donor '09
they sell clearence kits...dial indicator,testing springs...you should ask the maker ofthe cam for particulars. 060 aint much..i recall .125 for clearence and .060 for precoil bind...assembled crush on gasket is a factor
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,307
Likes: 111
From: Tucson AZ
Use a head gasket as it will change the geometry (angle relationship of the valve to piston). If you don't want to use your new ones, just use the old head gaskets as long as they are clean. Just subtract the .008" difference.
Use two bolts near the cylinder you are checking. Just tighten them by hand, not critical if you are using a previously compressed gasket.
I like to remove the double springs and use a soft checking spring. This is a subject of great debate. The clay will give you a nice picture of what is going on, but if you have ever tried to slice the clay and mic it, it is not very accurate. The soft spring method with a feeler gauge will give you exact clearances.
I use a solid lifter, but you may be able to use your OEM hydraulic roller if you adjust all the plunger travel out.
Use two bolts near the cylinder you are checking. Just tighten them by hand, not critical if you are using a previously compressed gasket.
I like to remove the double springs and use a soft checking spring. This is a subject of great debate. The clay will give you a nice picture of what is going on, but if you have ever tried to slice the clay and mic it, it is not very accurate. The soft spring method with a feeler gauge will give you exact clearances.
I use a solid lifter, but you may be able to use your OEM hydraulic roller if you adjust all the plunger travel out.
