The Quick/Small/(Stupid?) Question Thread.

[pebbles]

Whereas Pebbles is usually right, I do not agree this time.

North cars are thinner than Cali cars or maybe its just the ones that i have

[Curtis]

You all want big powerful batteries while I get along with skinny stock group 53 battery for low cars.

Since I switched to a gear reduction starter and keep the maintenance charger on it I haven't had to worry about it. When the little wire in my distributor broke the other day I did however give it quite the workout until I figured out the problem. Had my wife bring the jumper cables just in case.

I must confess I have thought about putting in the very similar group 51 with much more CCA.

[mikepal]

I'm in Northampton, MA, so just a little ways from the southwestern corner of NH.

Mike, Where in MA are you? I am just across the line in NH.

[andyroo]

Thanks Greg. I'll go with your recommendation.

[AidanDawn2000]

When setting valve clearance on a U20, which way should the lobe be pointing? I found there is a definite difference between when the lobe is pointing to 3:00/9:00 or strait up. Also how much does having the engine "hot" mater.

Thanks!

[C.Costine]

I'm in Northampton, MA, so just a little ways from the southwestern corner of NH.

Mike, Where in MA are you? I am just across the line in NH.

That is nearly 2.5 hours from me. Although I have been down there to a friends place 2-3 times.

[bakerjf]

Hot "matters." The gap loosens up the hotter it gets...

[Solex68]

When setting valve clearance on a U20, which way should the lobe be pointing? I found there is a definite difference between when the lobe is pointing to 3:00/9:00 or strait up. Also how much does having the engine "hot" mater.

Thanks!

Get the motor to normal operating temperature, every car is slightly different. I know it sucks but you have to do it hot. Lobes should be straight up for each valve you are adjusting.

[msampsel]

Mine (racing cam in R-16) are supposed to be done running and hot. The running really sucks ... I gave up on the running the last two times.
Tired of cleaning off the oil from the running

[mraitch]

why "running" - surely when the engine is hot that is all that matters - i have a b cam and static hot is all that is required.

[tjp]

Lobes should be straight up for each valve you are adjusting.

New information here for me. Thanks!

Mine (racing cam in R-16) are supposed to be done running

Far from an expert here but I've never read this.

[Solex68]

Lobes should be straight up for each valve you are adjusting.

New information here for me. Thanks!

Sorry, I should clarify I have a U20 which is overhead cam. I have never adjusted pushrod engines.

[Gregs672000]

And now, my experience and opinion... I do mine cold, and I tend to set them a bit tighter... cold I go 4-6 intake and 6-8 exhaust, lobes up. I have to wiggle the feeler to get them to slide in. They end up 6-8 intake and 8-10 exhaust hot. I confirmed multiple times that this works because I did not believe they would loosen when hot, as the manual states the opposite! A valve has to seat so it can transfer heat to the head and not burn. The gap is there to ensure that happens, but any extra gap is just that, extra. The more gap, the more "insurance" you have that the valve is seating and transferring heat over all engine temps and conditions. You gain just a tiny bit of lift by running a tighter gap.

I agree that setting them hot will give you a "for sure" hot setting (where it really matters), but after many before and after tests I am quite confident of my cold settings for MY engine.

[AidanDawn2000]

Interesting and good to know. Thanks!

[msampsel]

There is a zerk on the 90 (speedo cable attaches) on a four speed tranny.
Is it for grease?