Engine: Tappet wrench size for 1950 Commander

[simmobe2003]

Greetings from central Illinois. My 1950 Commander is needing a valve adjustment - but what size(s) tappet wrench do I need? I hate to buy an entire set if only one or two sizes are needed. Work room appears to be pretty tight, so I am guessing that a shorter wrench will be needed. Any words of wisdom for the job would be appreciated. Many thanks.

Bruce
1950 Commander
3 spd/OD

[Jeffry Cassel]

Just go to Harbor Freight and buy a set of combination wrenches. They are cheap but next time you need a wrench, you'll have it. It cost no more than purchasing two individual wrenches. They also sell 'stubby' wrench sets.

[StudeRich]

I have always found that, if you have a 7/16", 1/2" and 9/16" Open end wrench, you can turn most of the fasteners anywhere on a Studebaker except quite Large ones like: Head Bolts, Main Bearing Bolts, Spring Shackle Bolts etc.

Of course when space allows, it is always better to have a Box End or Socket handy for a better Grip.

[bensherb]

So far the only hex heads I've come across on any of my Studes larger than 3/4" has been the front crank bolt and spindle/axle nuts. Even a super cheap wrench set usually has sizes from 3/8" thru 3/4" by 1/16ths .

Harbor Freight has some pretty nice wrench sets too, starting from $10 for a 9 piece set, or $14 for a 12 piece set containing both SAE and Metric stubby. AND, you can get 20% off this weekend for fathers day.

PS: I have wrench sets ranging from really cheap 99 cent store stuff thru Craftsman (most of them), Crescent, Power-craft, Gearwrench, Proto, SK and Snap-On. The only one I ever managed to break was a Proto. Now; ratchets are another story. I haven't found one I couldn't break! Some last longer than others though.

[garyash]

Tappet wrenches are thin so that you can hold the lifter with one and adjust with the other, then tighten the jam nut. A cheap set is about $25 at HF or on Amazon. It’s usually difficult or impossible with thicker standard open-end wrenches.

[studediesel]

simmobe2003
I have a 1957 commander 6-245. It takes 2 1/2” wrenches to adjust the tappet clearance. Tappet wrenches or standard open end with the head ground down to make them thinner.

[Jeffry Cassel]

Basic truism: You never have enough tools!

[simmobe2003]

All,

My '50 Commander 245.6 engine took 2 1/2 inch wrenches to adjust the valves, turns out that thin 'tappet' wrenches were not needed. Two normal open end 1/2 wrenches worked just fine. As an aside, I don't know how anyone could adjust those valves with the manifolds installed. With the manifolds removed the job was easy, but it would be a real challenge to do it with those manifolds in place.

Bruce