How to Adjust Car Valves

When an engine is overhauled, has the cam out or heads removed, the valves must be adjusted. It's easier to adjust the valves without the engine running and before you put the intake on. This makes it easier to see where to put the push rods on the lifters and to adjust them to get the clearance. Here are steps to adjust the valves on a Chevrolet V8 engine.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Put all 16 push rods in the holes with the rocker arms on top. Turn the engine to top dead center. Number 1 piston will be up and the exhaust and intake lifters will be down. Adjust the exhaust valves 1-3-4-8 and the intake valves 1-2-5-7.

2. Turn the engine one complete revolution, then adjust the exhaust valves 2-5-6-7 and the intake valves 3-4-6-8. Turn the rocker arm nut down until you can turn the push rods with your fingers to what is called the zero position. Turn the rocker arm nut an additional half a round.

3. Start the engine to make sure there are no rattles. With the engine running, you can turn the rocker arm nuts down an additional quarter of a round.

Tips & Warnings

• It's easier and cleaner to adjust the valves with the engine off. It won't sling oil all over the garage and you.
• Don't overtighten the push rod nuts or you may bend the push rods or cause the piston to hit the valves when you start the engine.