Engine: Adjusting valves by sound

[55 56 PREZ 4D]

Just curious. I've never heard of it being done.
Has anyone attempted to adjust valves by sound.
Say, warm engine, stethoscope clamped to near the valve being adjusted, then adjust till the click goes away.
Would it work ?
What would be the pros or cons ?

[jnormanh]

Back in the day I've seen experienced mechanics do just that, adjust valve clearances by sound while the engine was running. How well it worked I don't know, but I can imagine that an experienced mechanic, working on familiar engines might get close enough.

Here's a video captioned "Redneck Valve Adjustment."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNmgTXrSQRU

For the rest of us, there are feeler gauges.

[Roscomacaw]

Nah - you'll need a wrench and some feeler gages at the very least! :P

[63 R2 Hawk]

Works fine on hydraulic lifters, you just back off 'til they clack a little, then turn 1/4 turn back. Not for solid lifters.....

[Noxnabaker]

It's actually possible, but you have to turn the rev down real low. or else it'll be impossible to hear & feel the actual ticking + you'll have oil all over the place, even if "only" in small drips flying everywhere.
& if you're gonna adjust all valves it takes time & the oil will be quite happy to jump & fly in the air... But it's also different if it's a straight or V-engine (except for Mopar slant-6's) since the V-engines heads are leaning & will splatter oil all over anyway.
But if you've got worn-out rockers & the feeler gages aint doing the job & you aint gotta indicator-clock, then it might be the way.
& remember that tight valves might get burned, so if you're not sure, you best leave them slightly ticking until some other remedy is found...

[jackb]

yea...don't adjust "til the clicking goes away" or your valves will too...

[55 56 PREZ 4D]

Guess I shouldn't have said "till the clicking goes away".
With a stethascope the sound could be heard.
Could just adjust till the clicking stops then loosen up a little to get the click back.
"Nox" : Hot and running seems to be the preferred method here on the site and in the manual so the oil will fly whether you use a gauge or sound.
That's a good point about the worn valve train and gauges.
"Jackb" : Thanks

[64V-K7]

It would also pay you to use a wire feeler gauge. With the pockets and angles induced by wear, the flat ones can give a false measurement..

[Pat Dilling]

I am not well experienced with Studebaker motors, but have had numerous Chevys, both big and small block with solid lifters. It does not seem to me you would get an accurate adjustment by sound with the engine running. Not to mention the mess. You can adjust them with just two rotation of the motor.

Valve Adjustment Order

0 deg TDC, both number one valves shut.

Adjust the #1 exhaust valve
Adjust the #1 intake valve
Adjust the #3 exhaust valve
Adjust the #5 intake valve
Adjust the #7 intake valve
Adjust the #2 intake valve
Adjust the #4 exhaust valve
Adjust the #8 exhaust valve

Now rotate the engine 360 degrees. The mark on the balancer should be back at the TDC mark.
Keep in mind that this is not the TDC where #1 would be firing! It's where #6 would fire.

Adjust the #3 intake valve
Adjust the #5 exhaust valve
Adjust the #7 exhaust valve
Adjust the #2 exhaust valve
Adjust the #4 intake valve
Adjust the #6 exhaust valve
Adjust the #6 intake valve
Adjust the #8 intake valve
Your DONE!

Pat

[Mike Van Veghten]

Adjusting valves by sound

Why bother, the "Jetsons" era never made it...!

Just do it correctly and move on.

Mike