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Adjusting the Valve Clearance?

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sockeyedsushi

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I know the book says .021, but I have been given advice from an experienced midget engine freak, that .010 is better. I did try the lower number and man what a performance curve. But, did I do right or wrong? This is a 73, 1275 no upgrades, stock engine. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif
 
A noisey lifter is a happy lifter. Setting them too tight can cause excessive wear and improper seating, hence further head damage. Someone will correct me if I am wrong.
 
Hello SES,
is that a misprint?, I think that the 'A' series should be 0.012" clearance, and I cannot believe that a 0.002" tighter will be beneficial. It will marginally extend both duration and lift but it's not worth the risk of the valves not seating correctly.

Alec
 
Sock, get busy and get those valves set at .012 and better yet a snug .013 to be on the safe side. Wayne
 
Well, time was against me and I had to go with .010 for 600 miles. I had some fun on the trip but made it. What I thought was a bad "new" universal turned out to be the tape wrap I used to hold the stinger straight to put in the drive shaft. What a terrible sound and vibration. Later, the new GM alternator mounting bolt came loose and I failed to bring a bag of bolts. Found a saving grace bolt on the old Lucas alternator I brought as a spare. The car stopped miles from nowhere but it was the wiring from the GM alternator touching the dist firing wire. Later the same harness grounded out the alternator and the light came on and off for a number of miles. Seems it was just the mount for the harness. Still had the odd vibration, thought it had to be the front end, or tie rod ends or universals. All new but what the heck else. After 400 miles, I accidentally left the choke pulled out and drove 100 more to great performance and lessening vibrations. Last gas fill, the car started on all 4 cylinders and ran like a bat out of heck into through the mountains and into Calgary. Don't know if the 2 new hot plugs are ok, the valves and seats, or why the ruch mixture seemed to help "clean" the bad cylinder/fouled plug. Bizarre I know but so far I am happy it made the trip with only losing the brake lights and horn. And to think this all started with adjusting the valves. Man what a trip. Can't wait for the spring rally season to start. If I didn't burn the head to heck or the valves I might have to fix the tranny seal and re-do the head and rings. I don't mind the oil consumption or the little extra for the trans but it's hauling so much of it around. Stay safe everyone.
 
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