64 Valiant 273ci noisy valve train

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Wally-T

64 Signet
Joined
Jul 14, 2019
Messages
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Location
Cochrane Alberta
Hi folks. Just purchased a 64 Signet convertible with a very noisy valve train. I'm told they are solid lifters.Does an adjustment usually quiet them or is it more likely to be excessive wear? It only shows about 70.000 miles on it but I suppose it could have rolled over once or more. It still idles quite smoothly and and starts without a hitch. Any info would be appreciated, thanks.
 
When you get in there, check the pads on the arms on the valve ends. They have a tendency to get worn or hammered by the valves . If yours are grooved then you will need narrow feelers to fit in the grooves.
My set-up was never really quiet, not loud either, but still audible.
 
Yeah, not really objectionable after you know how much is normal.
Don't be tempted to decrease the lash to less than the factory specs.
Firstly; you won't find any more power.
Secondly you will find less take-off torque
Thirdly, it will probably lead to starting or idling difficulties.
.003tightern on the intake can be a disaster.
Sorry I don't have the specs for that engine
 
Hay Wally. Welcome aboard. Yes, solid lifters will make some noticeable high frequency ticking when adjusted correctly. Anything overly loud would probably need adjusting. In other words, if you can hear the rockers ticking above all the other engine noises, instead of kind of along with the other noises, they probably need adjusting. I always adjust them cold to spec, even though the spec is given hot, but who wants to get burned? You'll never notice the difference.
 
I usually adjust them with the engine running and warm, much quicker and easier to do it that way. Messier also.
search around there will be instruction here somewhere.

welcome aboard.
 
When you get in there, check the pads on the arms on the valve ends. They have a tendency to get worn or hammered by the valves . If yours are grooved then you will need narrow feelers to fit in the grooves.
My set-up was never really quiet, not loud either, but still audible.
I agree. I used to resurface the pad end with my Souix valve grinder. It had a special fixture to hold the rockers, so you could grind the divot out, but maintain the relative geometry.
I seem to remember 0.010" on intakes, 0.020" on exhausts, but you better check that, because I haven't set valves on a slant 6 for almost 30 yrs.
 
When adjusted correctly there should be no noise from a 273 valvetrain with a stock cam. Stock clearances are .013 intake and .021 exhaust, hot.
 
Thanks folks. .013 and .021 it is with narrow feelers. I had a slant six back in the 70's that was quite noisy too but I just drove the heck out of it. I was a teenager and didn't care as long as I had wheels. One or two lifters on this 273 are making quite the clatter so I'll adjust them and hope for the best. I'm also installing new wheel cylinders all around so I hope to have it on the road next week. My first 60's vehicle in over 30 years, a blessing for sure.

Thanks again guys.
I'll keep you posted, Wally
 
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