How do you adjust valves on a Chevy 350?

Answer 1

Assuming you have hydraulic lifters, most do, the process is easy, but messy. Get yourself an extra valve cover. Cut a strip down the center out. Or, go to your parts store, and get a set of oil deflecters. DO NOT cover the headers/exhaust manifolds with a towel, or rag, as fire will ensue. You will have to let the oil burn off. Anyway, start the motor. Using a 9/16ths socket, start at one end, loosening the valve until it begins to clatter. Re tighten it slowly, until the clatter just stops. This is called zero lash. Then, from this point, you will tighten the valve, or rocker arm, between a half, and a full turn. Go a quarter turn at a time, and very slowly, so you don't crash a valve into the piston. I would go three quarters tight. The most proper way, is to use a vaccuum gauge, and tighten to maximum vaccuum. If your motor is on the stand, or out of the car, turn the motor until that push rod is all the way down, loosen, or tighten the rocker arm intil the push rod just looses slack, zero lash, then go a half turn, and re adjust once you start the motor. Chuck....