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I see alot of people post on the subject of valves. I am next to clueless in this regard so would like to be educated. How or when would I know its time to consider valve work/adjustment?

Excessive ticking is the first indicator followed by a gradual loss of power. Do a compression test prior to digging in. Good time to clean and gap the plugs. Remember to use anti-cease on the plugs to keep from sticking to the threads in the head. Unless you have installed hard seats on the valves it is a good practice to add a lead substitute to your fuel Marvel Mystery oil is great stuff. When all else fails check out the books for recommended lash adjustment intervals...Or just waight and somebody who knows more about the specifics of the "M"will clue us in...John

If you have never adjusted the valve lash, it's time now. Most owners know little or nothing about the past maintenance of their trucks when purchased. In light of this it's a good idea to go ahead & perform all routine maintenance, then you can record dates & mileage to stay on a schedule from now on.

I must respectfully disagree with ELBUFO, and say that ticking may, or may not, be a sign that the valves need to be adjusted. It's such a subjective symptom. I think that properly performed compression and vacuum tests are going to be your best indicator of engine health. I do a full tune-up on my trucks roughly every six months IAW (In Accordance With) the manual. I keep a record of my readings that I can use to compare with previous readings. I can easily spot developing trends this way.

Take a look at this:

http://www.secondchancegarage.com/public/186.cfm

Good luck...

Dave

Dave is correct on the may or may not. A tick is just a symptom which should be investigated. Each part makes it's own peculiar noise, but misdiagnoses is always possible. A stethoscope is a handy tool to have in your bag. It will quickly tell you where a noise is coming from. I have herd ticks that sound like valves turn out to be an alternator. Both Dave and Charles are spot on about maintenance and records. This is what I like about this forum. There are a lot of knowledgeable folks here.
Now should that tick turn out to be just a tiz...have a cold beer...Enjoy..John

DaveO has a point, here. It takes an experienced ear to tell the difference between valve-train noise, a spark jump, and a whole host of other "clicking" noises that might be encountered. A mechanic's stethoscope (or a piece of brake line tubing, small diameter PVC pipe, or even a hardwood dowel) placed against the side cover and held to the ear will soon tell you if the noise is, in fact, the valve train.

Hmmnn. I have heard ticking sounds on my truck. Can't really tell though from what side of the truck its coming from as my generator does make this kind of noise......I'm going to take note next time I run the engine to be sure. I'll have to read up on valve adjustment in the manual.

BTW - what is valve lash? Never heard this term before...

Valve lash is the clearance between the tappet that rides on the cam, and the valve stem. This clearance is what you are adjusting.

10-4 thanks.

On the valve subject.
My manual doesnt show the valve order.
Is this correct?
Exhaust-intake-in-exh-exh- in- in-exh-exh-in-in-exh.???

Jared,

That is correct.

Bert