valve ?

[krazy_texan]

help me i am knew to doing engine work beyond a tune up and i have a 79 305 that my dad says the valves need to be adjusted but doesnt want to help and told me to figure it out the way he had to so help me guys what am i going to have to do, please help me on this, it is in my little bro's elcamino and he has not gotten to drive it since he got his liscense because of engine problems


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[oldsub86]

Get a basic manual - even a Chiltons type and it should give you the directions you need. In REALLY Basic terms, you turn the engine over to a timing mark and then set certain exhaust valves and intake valves on certain cylinders, then turn it 180 degrees and do the rest. You tighten the adjusters just to the point of no looseness (lash) and then an extra 1/2 to 1 turn. It is not all that complicated but you do need to do it right. It has been years since I did it but don't remember having any real problem with it. Depending on engine condition, it might be a good time to change valve seals. That was how I ended up doing my Suburban. It was blowing blue smoke on startup. Changed the seals and it ran much better but had to adjust all of the valves as a result. Have been thinking about checking the old pickup engine but have not done it yet. I think I need some new lifters.

[lukecp]

I have tried the way that oldsub86 mentioned above, and the "hot" way of adjusting valves. Being a stupid kid that had no clue how to adjust valves, i found it easier to use the hot method. The hot method can make quite a mess (hot oil leaking everywher if you aren't careful), and the hot oil dosent' feel very good on your skin. Still, i found it much easier to get the valves adjsuted correctly with the motor running.

The easiest way to do it is to take an old SBC valve cover, cut the top off of it, install it on the motor, and start it up. Get the engine to full operating temp before you adjust the valves. You need to loosen one valve until it starts clacking (you will easily hear when it starts making noise), then tightnen it down until it just stops clacking, then tightnen it another 1/4-1/2 turn. Do this on evey valve and you will be done.

Hydrualic lifters require virtiualy no adjustment unless you are having cam failure, or the rocker studs have somehow pulled up. Late '70's and 80's 305's came with bad cams pretty often, so that could be a problem. If so, adjusting the valves will work for awhile, but a new cam will restore performance and mileage.