Valve questions!!!!

[bracktheron720]

so my motor has a little rattle sound goin on iv been told valve lash or timing chain guide....i can do the timing chain no problem but the valve lash i have no idea what the specs for the truck are......does anybody know what the spacing should be??and any tips on checking/adjusting the valve lash??????

[seang]

I found it easier to set them cold rather than hot.

With the engine hot, it really doesn't give you alot of time from start to finish without the engine cooling down, so that might affect the accuracy of the operation.

There are different specs for hot and cold valve clearances, I forget what they were exactly.

[bracktheron720]

sweet thank for the info...now i just need the specs!!anybody got them!!??

[seang]

Cold Settings = .008 intake / .009 exhaust

You will probably have to set them each a few times to get them just right, because after you torque the lock nut down, it changes slightly, but it'll work out.

Obviously, you must work each valve with the cam lobe pointed away from that rocker arm - the crank has to be rotated during this operation.

To rotate the crank, I put my truck in 5th gear and rolled it - this worked for me because I was on level ground. Otherwise, you use a socket wrench and turn it by hand. I think it's a 19mm socket, but I'm not totally sure.

You don't have to torque the lock-nut down like hercules, I forgot the exact torque number, but just don't strip the threads.

[bracktheron720]

how do i make sure the lobe is pointed away from the rocker????iv never done this on these motors so its pretty new to me..

[seang]

When the cam lobe is not pushing on the rocker arm, and the valve is completely closed.

[dogred]

For a 2.4l

To handcrank it will be an 1 1/16" socket. You will have to look at the lobes. Usually only 2 will be raised at a time. (for me it was #2 exhaust, and #4 intake)What you will need to do is loosen(remove the nuts) the throttle cable mount on the fire wall (10mm) and move the air cleaner out of the way.Remove the valve cover screws, remove the valve cover.Loosen up all the nuts ontop of the valves (12mm), put in the feeler gauge .008 intake, .009 exhaust. You will adjust with a flat tip screw driver while the wrench is still on the nut until the rocker arm does not wiggle. Tighten the nut (not to tight) while holding the screw driver still. Check the wiggle on the rocker arm, if no wiggle is left remove the feeler gauge.You want to feel a little bit of drag when you remove the gauge.Do this to all the ones not on the lobe and then hand crank the engine. Do the remaining ones then torque down the nut to 12-16 ft lbs.Reinstall every thing and drive.Hope this helps out, just did mine yesterday. Remember this is for the 2.4l

[flinterman2000]

Remember this is for the 2.4l

Looks like its for all non hydraulic applications.

[turbojunker]

Looks like its for all non hydraulic applications.

The L series are a bit different from the Z series. The L head uses lash pads that you adjust with two combination wrenches instead of one wrench and a screwdriver.

[bracktheron720]

thanks dogred thats exactly what i needed!!im runnin the 2.4 so its perfect!!what kind of valve cover gaskets do these things have??im asuming ill need a new one??like i said im a GM motor guy well until now this thing runs like crazy! they had cork gaskets to start i usually replaced them with a nicer rubber type..would i need to do the same with the little 2.4??

[breadbox]

my head kit had a VC gasket. Go up to Bap Geon.

[dogred]

Just get one from fel pro, it is rubber, fits in nice. You can get it from Napa, Oreilly's auto, probably even autozone

[bracktheron720]

cool thats what my plan was just wanted to double check!!i can get it for like 7 bucks at O'rielys!!

[dlarsona]

If you haven't already finished this, you can usually pull the valve cover off carefully and reuse the rubber gasket....

[dogred]

I would replace it unless you cannot get a new one or it has been replaced since you owned it.

[bracktheron720]

yeah im just gunna replace it no big deal..i have no idea how old it is...i live within like five blocks of an auto-zone,O'riellys and there's a napa a couple blocks past them so i think ill just go get one..lol im just waitin for the weather to clear up to dig into it..i live on the desert side of the state but its been raining the last two weeks.....lame...

[bracktheron720]

look at dogreds last couple pics..hes on the rainy side of the state and its beautiful!!what the hell....