Re: [Amc-list] 195.6 OHV Oil Return Line - just use a pre-cut brake line?

[Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>]

> For first time start up, how tight or loose should the rocker arms to
> valves be? I know the hot setting is on the intake manifold plate -
> but what should I look for for a good general start up setting?

I'm no old timer, but here's what I did:

Engine cold. Put a 3/4" socket and long ratchet on the crank pulley, and 
with a 7/16" open end wrench, adjust each rocker so that the pushrod 
just barely turns easily in your fingers. That's close to zero 
clearance, but no pressure on the valve. Turn the crank 10 degrees or 
so, keep checking until you're sure none are (1) too tight or (2) so 
loose it'll fall out.

It'll run OK with the valves too loose or too tight, but extended 
periods not a good idea for various reasons.

I really enjoyed adjusting the valves that first time. The idle wasn't 
too bad, but as I pulled each into set it got quieter and quieter... 
when you stick the feeler in that cyl gets a bit noisy (you just made 
the valve "tight") but when you pull it out... silence.

The feeler gauge should smoothly slide in and out when it's right. Try 
1/8 turn tighter, and you can feel it grab. back off that 1/8th turn, 
that's about perfect.

Don't use your nice Starrett feeler set :-(


>    make sure the top end is getting oil

Do this when you adjust the valves. If it's oily and drippy it's fine. 
Note that worn rocker shafts cause a lot of needless oil flow. (I don't 
know how much this matters, but when I build the motor I have, I will 
buy a new one from Kanters.) It doesn't fling much oil at idle, rev it 
up it's a bit messy, with the valve cover off.


>    figure out the exhaust manifold noise and get a donut

I used Bruce Hevner's advice and it worked perfectly, first time: With 
the exh mani off, I put a bead of red (hi temp) silicone 1/4" wide 1/8" 
high more or less around each port, then let it cure overnight (I think 
a couple of days in my case). Sealed perfectly.

I don't think mine has a donut? I don't recall. They're all 3-bolt 
flanges, right? Might be unevenly tightened? Are the nuts down the studs 
all the same length more or less?
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