OH, my aching head! Car wont start 57 Vette

[Dan Provost]

I have a 1959 corvette that someone put a 56 265 in it. When I first got the car, I replaced the ignition system, put new gas in and she started up pretty good, I got a back fire when I throttled up, but other than that, she idled at least. After a short while, she overheated, I shut her down and replaced the thermostat started her up again and noticed vapor comming from the right head, I checked the oil and saw evidence of antifreeze in it, so I went the cheap way put, pulled everything apart, changed out the head gaskets, intake manifold gaskets, you name it, I changed it. When putting the heads back on, I forgot to count how many turns each rocker took, so I have no idea if they are set right.

Now the car turns over, seems to try and catch at a certain point then she does not start, the carb is getting fuel, the plugs are getting power, I think the valves are not opening or closing properly and that is preventing statup, I have good oil pressure when cranking and so far I see no evidence tha the head gaskets are leaking. Any valve help?

[James F.]

[Harmon C.]

Re: OH, my aching head! Car wont start 57 Vette

You need to adjust the valves per the service manual before trying to start it up. Sit down and read it till you understand how . You may want to chalk mark each valve as you do them to make sure you did them all.

[roy braatz]

Re: OH, my aching head! Car wont start 57 Vette

If hydraulic turn the engine over useing the key to just move each valves one at a time to the closed position, back off each rocker nut so that you have a little play or looseness on each valve. Then you can start the engine,then tighten each rocker nut just till you hear no tapping.Then turn the engine off, and give each rocker nut one turn down. Replace the valve covers and your done.