How to Adjust a Chevrolet 5.7 Valve

by Renee Booker

The Chevrolet 5.7-liter (350-cubic-inch) engine employs an overhead valve design that requires occasional maintenance. Adjusting the clearance between the valve stem and rocker arm, a process known as setting valve lash, can be complicated. The rocker arms and valve train are located on top of the cylinder heads and are easy to access by removing the valve covers. The adjustment process will take about three hours to complete.

Step 1

Start and run the engine until it reaches operating temperature. Shut the engine off and move quickly to step two.

Step 2

Remove the valve covers from both cylinder heads. There are either two bolts in the center or four around the edges (engine year dependent) securing the valve covers to the cylinder heads.

Step 3

Attach a wrench to the crankshaft drive gear. This will allow the rotating assembly and valvetrain to be rotated manually.

Step 4

Use the wrench to turn the crankshaft until the number one intake valve is at full lift (the number one rocker arm will be pressing the valve down all the way). Adjust the number six intake valve. The valve is adjusted by tightening the intake valve rocker arm nut until the rocker arm prevents the pushrod from being spun between your fingers. Back the rocker arm nut off 1/8 to 1/4 of a turn.

Step 5

Repeat the valve adjustment process in step three on all intake valves in the following order: number eight intake valve at full lift-adjust number five intake valve. Number four valve full lift-adjust number seven valve. Number three valve full lift-adjust number two valve. Number six valve full lift-adjust number one valve. Number five valve full lift-adjust number eight valve. Number seven valve full lift-adjust number four valve. Number two valve full lift-adjust number two valve.

Step 6

Use the adjustment procedure described in step four to adjust the exhaust valves in the same order described in step five.

Step 7

Install new valve cover gaskets and replace both valve covers. Install and torque all valve cover bolts to three foot-pounds.

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