I am trying to check my valve to piston clearance when the engine is assembled, and the instructions state after installing a new camshaft, lash #1 intake valve to zero then screw intake valve in .080"(valves not closing completely)
I am concerned cause I have a stock block for now and I have the Stage 3 LC head and the stage 4 LC cam. I really don't want to create problems I don't need right now. Should I be worried, I called LC and they said it should be good clearance but they said to double check it to be sure cause it is a stage 4 cam.

What exactly do they mean and how is this done? Do I need any special tools to complete this?

Can some one walk me through this process? Thanks

 

wow your so confused, i got confused.


so your not checking the valve to piston clearance.


your checking the rocker to valve clearance.


you need to set TDC first.

then you use a feeler gauge and adjust these valves


then rotate the main pulley 360 and check these


http://www.autozone.com/autozone/re...geId=0900c1528004d2a1&partId=0900c1528004d26b

good luck

 

I am not confused I am trying to check the valve to piston clearance with the engine assembled. I just put on the brand new upgraded head and cam I was trying to check the valve clearance with out the clay method or with out taking the head off again so I don't have to replace the head gasket again.

 

If I take the head off again to use the clay method, Should I replace the head gasket again. I have not even restarted the engine since I replace the head gasket.

 

oh, see i told you i got confused.



ya you will need a new gasket. when you torque the head down the gasket will get imperfections pressed into it to match the head and block. i know the gasket doesnt move very much when on there but if it moves even the smallest bit when you reassemble you will have issues.


id just use the current gasket for mock up, then once youve checked the valve to piston clearance reinstall with a new gasket.

 

Thanks, is there a way to check the valve to piston clearance besides the clay method. I am trying not to take off the head again.

Also what measurments should I use. LC says to have a rocker arm clearance of 0.08 intake and 0.12 exhaust. What do you think I should do.

 

ya the rocker arm clearance sounds right, thats the oem specs.


i like to get it as tight as possible so i can jus barely pull the feeler gauge out.



i suppose you might be able to check the clearance through the spark plug hole. maybe get one of those plumber camera's, so you could stick in in the cylinder and see. but something tells me the only way to be sure is the clay method.


a HG is cheap enuff that its worth it, better safe then sorry.

 

You could run #1 piston up to TDC on the compression stroke so both valves are closed, then use a dial indicator on the valve stem or as close to center of the valve stem or rocker as possible, then tighten the adjuster or manually compress the valve slowly until it hits the piston and measure the distance, or if you have at least .100+ the .008 and .012 normal clearance travel you should be fine without hitting the piston.

 

Just turn the motor over by hand slowly, if it doesnt lock up it's good to go!

You should be fine with that setup... Just don't messup the cam to crank timing!