Crank the engine until the mark on the damper aligns with the TDC
or 0 degree mark on the timing tab and the engine is in the No. 1
firing position. This can be determined by placing your fingers on
the No. 1 cylinder valves as the marks align. If the valves do not
move, it is in the No. 1 firing position. If the valves move, it is
in the No. 6 firing position (No. 4 on V6) and the crankcase should
be rotated one more revolution to the No. 1 firing position.
With the engine in the No. 1 firing position, the following
valves can be adjusted:
V8: Exhaust 1, 3, 4, 8
V8: Intake 1, 2, 5, 7
V6: Exhaust 1, 5, 6
V6: Intake 1, 2, 3
Back out the adjusting nut until lash is felt at the pushrod,
then turn the adjusting nut in until all lash is removed. This can
be determined by checking pushrod end-play while turning the
adjusting nut. When all play has been removed, turn the adjusting
nut in:
1/2-11/4 additional turn (flat lifter)
3/4-11/4 additional turn (roller lifter V8)
3/4 additional turn (roller lifter V6)
Crank the engine 1 full revolution until the marks are again in
alignment. This is the No. 6 firing position (No. 4 on V6). The
following valves can now be adjusted:
V8: Exhaust 2, 5, 6, 7
V8: Intake 3, 4, 6, 8
V6: Exhaust 2, 3, 4
V6: Intake 4, 5, 6
Adjusting Valves on Chevy 350 Small Block
This information can be applied to any V8 motor with a firing
order using a locking nut style rockerarm adjustment.
The first thing to do is have some shop rags handy as well as a
good assortment of tools. You will need a long 1/2 drive ratchet and
possibly a suitable pipe for leverage, and a socket large enough to
turn the engine by hand.
You may start by removing the valve covers and position the
number 1 cylinder on . This can be done by turning the engine
clockwise, , until the mark on the damper aligns with 0 degrees on
the timing tab located at the lower front center area of the
engine. You can determined when both valves are at by placing your
fingers on the No. 1 cylinder valves as you align the marks. If the
valves do not move, it is in the No. 1 firing position. If the
valves move, it is in the No. 6 firing position and the engine must
be rotated one more revolution to the No. 1 firing position of the
engine and . The count is from front to back with cylinders 1 & 2
toward the front. Once the rocker arm is...
You can also adjust number 2,5,and 7 intake valves and 3,4,and 8
exhaust valves while doing the number one cylinder. Once these are
done rotate the motor clockwise exactly one turn. You can now adjust
number 3,4,6,and 8 intake valves as well as number 2,5,6, and 7
exhaust valves. Once these are done the valve adjustment is
complete.
Replace both valve covers using new gaskets. Take special care to
thoroughly clean gasket surfaces and do not over tighten cover
bolts.
