'54 Valve adjustment

[Harold W.]

The engine spits and pops a little at idle, suggesting it may be running lean. Have not found any vacuum leaks, and was wondering if the valves may be adjusted too tight. Can the valves be adjusted when cold? If they have to be adjusted when hot and running, any suggestions on minimizing oil squirts from the valve train with the cover off?

Harold Wrede

[Edward J.]

Re: '54 Valve adjustment

Harold, have you checked the tune -up spec.s (dwell,timing, idle mixture)? maybe the age of points and plugs could be a issue.

As for the valve adjust hot or cold? But if they need adjustment, a piece of card board cut to the length of the head about 6-8 in.s high and tuck in or tape to cylinder head to shield the oil.

[Harold W.]

Re: '54 Valve adjustment

Have new points set to 40 degrees dwell with meter, new plugs, and have adjusted the idle mixture screws. Dwell is rock steady with increasing rpm. Timing is good, but will recheck. Thanks

[Edward J.]

Re: '54 Valve adjustment

Harold, I am not a C-1 guy but is the spec. for the dwell 40 degrees? the typical small is 28-32.

Did you adjust the valves recently and suspect that maybe one may be to tight?

[Harold W.]

Re: '54 Valve adjustment

The dwell for a 6 cylinder is typically 38-43 degrees. The valves were originally adjusted "cold" by recommendation of the rebuilder, and haven't been touched in years. I saw a troubleshooting guide that suggested checking the valve adjustment, but hot, not cold.

[Edward J.]

Re: '54 Valve adjustment

Harold, I would say the hot and cold spec.s would be different,either way I would do as the factory says.and use there spec.s

After the valve adjustment, You may have to re-adjust idle mixture on carbs.