I've got a few questions about valves and their adjustment on a Spryte w/Ford 170 engine.
The engine has a little tapping noise at idle when warm. Above about 1000 RPM the tapping can no longer be heard - gone or drowned out. The tapping sounds like its coming form the top of the engine so I suspect the valves. All six spark plugs look the same, black and sooty, so no one cylinder stands out. How do you tell when the value clearance should be adjusted? How often should the clearance be checked?
The engine tag shows it was made in 1966. Various web sites say 1966 and later Ford 170's had hydraulic lifters. Does that sound right?
I found a web site that explains how to adjust the values (https://fordsix.com/archive/www.classicinlines.com/ValveAdj.html) - sounds easy enough. Is there anything I should watch out for?
Before I remove the valve cover and deal with the attached coolant hoses, I want to make sure I know what I am getting into.
Thanks for the help -
The engine has a little tapping noise at idle when warm. Above about 1000 RPM the tapping can no longer be heard - gone or drowned out. The tapping sounds like its coming form the top of the engine so I suspect the valves. All six spark plugs look the same, black and sooty, so no one cylinder stands out. How do you tell when the value clearance should be adjusted? How often should the clearance be checked?
The engine tag shows it was made in 1966. Various web sites say 1966 and later Ford 170's had hydraulic lifters. Does that sound right?
I found a web site that explains how to adjust the values (https://fordsix.com/archive/www.classicinlines.com/ValveAdj.html) - sounds easy enough. Is there anything I should watch out for?
Before I remove the valve cover and deal with the attached coolant hoses, I want to make sure I know what I am getting into.
Thanks for the help -