5 days of reading and watching videos and getting more confused and demoralized about to give up i watch your video its like you turn on the light im not working in the dark best teacger man i hate watching instructional videos but gladly watch all your videos thankyou for sharing your knowledge and providing the wisdom to use your knowledge
All I ever done when it comes to adjusting lifters is just leave them as they are I never rotate or rock the engine or lifters all I do is just go down the line and tighten them until there is absolutely no slack at all in the lifters and leave it at that and so far out of all the years that I've been doing mechanic work I've never had any problems yet
@@michaelscott8129I'm working on my 72 Chevy El Camino with a 350 small block. Wanting to check the head bolts for torque since I didn't put thread sealer on the head bolts. I was young and no Internet in those days.
Mr Nelson was my automotive teacher for 2 years, never met someone else that could explain things as simply yet accurately and effectively as him. Very fortunate to have crossed paths and learned from him. Here I am learning more outside of school! Congratulations on 1 million views, well deserved. You too mitch! -higginbotham
I am 73 and been in cars all my life but always learning from more professionals like yourself. Really enjoyed the video and you are an excellent teacher. God Bless
No its not. Theres a better MUCH easier and bulletproof way to get the valves perfectly adjusted to 3/4 preload on the lifter. This guy is WAY over complicating this
Absolutely incredible! The theory, explanation, and modeling of how to adjust valves is by far the best I have seen and has completely eliminated valve train intimidation. Delivered like a true teacher! Thank you for your help and keep up the great videos!
Mitch you should really consider a position in the teaching aspect of engine building...laid out in simple form, I've witnessed my son's turning there engines a hundred times while adjusting their lifters and a hundred times I've explained this method but they're just at the "know it all" stage in their lives so be that the case I just sit back and laugh...one of them will walk by and I'll say I think I heard yur lifters tapping...and there they go...a hundred and one times...lol I've been doing this all my life I'm glad you've given the method a practical title "rock and adjust"...they might listen if I mention rock lol...great video
Homework4.0...... please understand that we are not adjusting valves! No adjustment can be made to a valve that is installed and has been spring loaded. We are adjusting the depth of the cam follower plunger.
Hey Timbo, thanks for the comment, and I teach juniors and seniors at a career center so I know all about that “know it all” comment 😁 Thanks again Nelson
This man has a calling as an instructor: never condescending in tone or manner, well modulated voice and eye contact, make for a viewer-friendly tutorial. I was looking for a visual to explain this procedure to my nephew, as my attempts to explain it, via phone call, seemed to be falling on deaf ears. This is an excellent presentation for someone like my nephew, that needs a visual aid. I was really getting frustrated while looking for an example of this procedure, as every other video I watched, treated the details of this like its universal knowledge and skimmed over or left them out.
Thank you so much. This is my dad giving the instruction throughout the video. He’s been an Automotive Instructor at a high school level for over 20 years now, he loves it! The world of automotive is dying off to my age group and he loves to keep the fire kindled teaching new things!
You can't change a tone. God made people speak the way they do for a reason. I talk to people all the time some people say I talk with an attitude which I don't see how when I talk to people normally as if I wanted to be talked to because of how God made me speak I guess weak people don't like the tone.
Bravo! This is the video I've been looking for! This is by far, the best lifter/rocker arm/push rod tutorial video I've seen. I had to replace all my push rods due to the wrong size guide plates being installed by a less than reputable speed shop, ( lesson learned ) and I've been researching extensively on how to do it myself. This is the first and only video I've seen that has mentioned anything about the retaining clips on the lifters and the need to not have interference on them. Once again, Bravo! to a well done, well thought out video for those of us that are weekend motor hobbyists! Subscribed!
Iam in shock how much I've learned because of your vedio will attempt to do my own head gaskets job because of the knowledge you have giving me,was all ways a street mechanic, but what I have learned today,is like finding gold,in a mine,will pass this knowledge to my son,.who's a mechanic helper,and is starting n he's career to make a living, thank you so much for sharing this knowledge. 😊
Hello Phillip, thank you for the kind words and commenting. Very glad you enjoyed the video and I always like to hear that you will be passing the knowledge along to your son. Good luck on all your projects 👍 Nelson
@@mitchnelsonperformance yes very interesting 🤔 you know I had a friend long ago - showed me how to adjust the Rocker arms - he had 2- valve covers cut Long ways - so he could adjust while Engine was running ! No oil spilling at all ! Adjusted till the tapping Quit 😳 what are your thoughts on that Mr. Nelson ?
Hey Jimmy, I’ve seen that method too, but the big concern is trying to hear that specific rocker while all of them are tapping and also just how much preload you’re really getting on the lifter cup. Thanks for the question and commenting! Nelson
Carl, please understand that we are NOT adjusting valves. (that is a misnomer). With a mechanical camshaft, we set the clearance between the rocker arm tip and the valve stem. With a hydraulic camshaft, we set the depth of the cam follower's (aka lifter) plunger. As I mentioned earlier, once a valve has been installed, the spring fitted, retained and clipped, there is no valve adjustment that can be made. Reply
Excellent video; I looked at many on this subject and yours is the most logical and clear. You didn't come up on a search for "valve lash adjustment" but DID come up on a search for "rocker arm adjustment". If it makes sense, adjust your title a little bit to pick up more hits on the search engine. Take care and thanks again!!
Thank you for this. I've been watching any video I can get my hands on to figure out how to adjust the rocker arms on my 350 SBC. None of the other videos explain it like this one, and with your help, I was able to get my valves all set today. Such an effective presentation- I really appreciate your video!
F______ finally! I have been looking for HOURS(!!!) for a video that showed that the guy doing it, understood the fact that at TDC, for each cylinder, WAS NOT where the valve should be adjusted(!!!!). I knew that was an issue when I adjusted my valves on my 99 Ranger ( 3.0 ), but I couldn't figure out where that would be correct in the cycle, and almost did it the same way I did it last time (which would have caused damage AGAIN, although I don't want to explain more than that). But let me just say thank you for such a clear and well articulated video, on such an important part of the assembly, that is, for some reason, left out of the other ones I watched. I will definitely be hitting the subscribe button in a few minutes, something I don't usually do on ANY videos I watch. Thanks again, and keep up the good work!
Hey Pete, really appreciate the kind words! And subscribing! We plan to do more engine instructional videos soon. Glad we could be a part of your projects. Nelson
You are a great teacher. Fantastic video with good editing and close up views when needed. Nice work Nelson and camera man! I predict you will gain MANY subscribers with this high quality content. Keep it up! I watched the video for a refresher, been a while since I did the valve pre-load (building a Ford 351W).
I am a retired ASE Certified Volvo Master tech. The 'rocking' method is the only method that is completely accurate, and this instructor is the only video that I have seen that is doing it correctly. Nearly everyone else is adjusting lash on the 'overlap'. I guess doing it on the 'overlap' is close, but not as accurate as the 'rocking' method. Great job on this instructional video.
Hey Mitch, Thanks very much for producing this video it was very informative. I am currently replacing the cam in my classic holden 1969 (Australia) I followed your instructions when adjusting the drive train after replacing the cam and your process worked very well. thanks again cheers premier186
Best and clearest explained adjustment on rocker arms preload and valve lash adjustment. So much thinking and confusion and over thinking. And after this video it's the easiest thing. Keep up the good work and Thank you.
Hey Trans Am, thank you for the comment and the kind words 👌 Glad we could be a part of your projects. We have a 98 Trans Am at our shop as well. 500HP LS 6speed. 😎
Best video ever, this company should never loose this guy. He is worth all the money. Clear and precise explanations. Should do a mechanics course online 😂😂👍👍🙌🙌
@@mitchnelsonperformance Don't know if you work Outboard marine engines, but would love a 4 cylinder or 6 cylinder rocker arm adjustment video on those. Maybe Honda or Yamaha. I know Honda have some outboards based on accord 4 cylinder fuel injected engines. Also other good suggestions is tolerances and using the cam checker (gauge) on the cam shaft.
I love the way you have shown people how to adjust the rocker amrs and set the preload on the lifter, by far your way is the best and easiest, thank you sir for your help.
I agree that this method is the best on RUclips! I have been adjusting mechanical (Not Hydraulic) lash adjusters for decades on mostly 4 cylinder import engines. Now my son needs his lifters adjusted on a SBC V8 in an engine I built him 6 years ago. His buddies all have messed with them and they are all out of wack. (I hate those wing-nut rocker arm cover bolts, they scream, take me off! NO! Those are for mechanical lifters & feeler blades)They all had different ideas on how to set them. I have the clip set that keeps oil from spraying while at warm idle running, but this is not practical on all. Now several cylinders are misfiring. I can't begin to tell you how well you explained this, to help my son (37) understand and how much clearer this old tech can show or explain to him and his buddies . They all can take them apart, but putting together is a different thing. Thanks! DK, ASE master tech since 78.
Hey Dean, we get a lot of compliments on this video but I can tell you’ve had your hands on a few through the years and that makes those kind words mean even more. Thanks again and good luck on all of you and your sons projects. Glad we could be a part.
This is a great how to for any engine builder. 👍. I just used this technique on my sbc and i don't know if it's the comp cam or lifters, but the extra 3/4 turn seemed like too much for my application. The lifter plungers were all but bottomed out with 3/4. With a half turn, the plunger seemed to be about half compressed. Hopefully i didn't make a fatal error
Hello and thanks for viewing and the kind words! 1/2 turn is just fine 👌 a range of 1/2 to one full turn will work for lifter pre-load. Good luck on your projects ,Nelson
I'm DED!!! That's dead for real. I have been putting of doing this for a month because NO ONE explained or demonstrated it will enough to execute. You sir, have done just that. Thank you and I will be subscribing for your support.
And with this fantastic video, you’ve earned my subscription sir, thank you! Rebuilding my 305 with freshly milled heads tomorrow, will definitely pull this video up when I get to rocker adjustment. It will now go smooth like butter.
Hey Custom Geek, we appreciate you subscribing and the view and the kind words 👍 Glad we can be a part of your projects. I’m sure it will go smooth as butter😁. Nelson
Excellent job on the instruction for adjusting hyd. lifters. There are a number of ways to do this, but your method is the most precise at making sure the lifters are in their proper position for final adjustment. Thanks for your help in clarifying this needed information.
This is a great video that I shared with my friend that is not too familiar with hydraulic lifters. Thanks for sharing this video because I did my best to explain everything to him, but this was much more clear and concise.🤠
love from Italy. Do you have any clue how helpful you've been to me? such ability to explain, clarity, depth and detailing of the sharing of knowledge really is rare to find on youtube.thank you very much. even the blackboard with things written on it for key concept, keep all of these.
Hello Tiziano! Thank you so much for the kind words and letting us be a part of your projects there in Italy! Thanks for the comment and liking and subscribing! More videos coming soon. Nelson
Thanks Nelson, for your acknowledge ment,but for me you are a true hero because you shared your knowledge with those less fortunate ,will keep you my thoughts and mind for all future challenges, that are heading my way concerning my vehicle, I have to change my head gaskets soon,on my 2002 chevy avalanche, with the 8.1 vortex engine,and now feel confident in the .battle because of the knowledge you have shared, again I salute your unselfish ness,and will always keep you close in mind,when dealing with my adventures ,concerning, my vehecles,and will pass this on to my son,and and who ever will open there minds to this knowledge ,take care be safe happy new year sir.😅
This also lets u find tdc to install dist also alows u to check if timimg has jumped was taught this system in1972 finally some one else knows this too! Good job!
Mitch, I apologize for jumping to conclusions. I re did it n it's running great. Not so easy to do all this by yourself in a 78 Vette. Thanks for the education!!!
This made my life a whole lot easier. I watch many videos on rocker adjustment. But this one is by far the best and easiest way I found. Really appreciate the video you gave us.
This was the best. Mimics my uncle doing this while the engine was running and would finish before the oil squirting got to warm. Amazing. Never made sense until tech explained in detail...
Hey, first off, thanks for the view! Having the manifold on is no problem, you can just watch for the pushrods to fall and rise instead of watching the lifters. If you take your time and monitor the “lash” you will know when you are at zero lash and then do your 3/4 turn from there. You can have a friend tap the starter while you watch them but it takes a very slight tap of the starter to get to the next adjustment.
I have been researching the best rocker valve adjustment for days now because I am so picky. This is by far the best video i have seen on RUclips, or anywhere for that matter!!! Thank you so much!!
@@mitchnelsonperformance your more than welcome sir. If your not an automotive teacher by trade, you missed your calling!! Alot can be learned by you. Thanks again sir and god bless!
Thank you so much for this video. The best i've seen for valve adjustment hands down it's clear concise and no endless rotating which you want to avoid esp on a new build with assy lube on things. Bravo to you.
A Chevrolet dealership adjusted my valves , but they used the old nuts. So they backed off. I used this method when my truck broke down while I was on a road trip. I gauged the threads, runs like a champ!!!
There is not enough space to comment on for how you've shown everyone how to adjust the small block Chevy valves. I like many others so needed this. Im going to start on 2 early 60s C10's with small block engines and this was very helpful. Thanks abunch. Trucker Ray ✝️
@@mitchnelsonperformance That's cool. I'm going to start this year on my 1st 2 projects ,1962 and 1963 C10s. Looking ar the Silverado 5.3 engine. Any suggestions helpful. Thanks. Trucker Ray ✝️
Thanks for the kind words and commenting! I see you’re a bike guy. I have a little 100cc land speed bike that we built here at the shop. Holds 2 records. Fun project. Thanks again for viewing! Nelson
Just finished adjusting my rockers, went awesome because of your video. Since I had poly locks & can turn the nut with fingers, was to watch the lifter cup move up & down as I turned it back & forth. That way I knew exactly where zero lash was at by feel & sight.
Hello my friend, I want to adjust my engine rocker arm, the reason because I hear a clicking sound in my valve covers, also one of the gasket valve covers is leaking oil so I want to take that opportunity to adjust my valves all because I'm going to be there around the valves so why not try to fix the problem, hopefully you can help me, I have a 1997 mercury mountaineer AWD 5.0L/302 it belongs to the Ford family, it's a V8 engine, do you think it is possible to adjust it myself I just do not have the specifications on how to adjust it properly but like you say by feel and sight it can be done. Would you please explain this method if it works on my car, thanks in advance for your help, if it's possible my friend. Thanks..
8 cylinders, 720 degrees of rotation with a 4 stroke motor. 720°÷8=90°... every 90°, 1/4 of a crank rotation. Easy as that! Thanks for the visual! I'll need to check my 1968 owners manual for my 302 4v because I THINK it just wants 1/2, but, can't remember
Are you performing this in the vehicle with oil filled lifters? I'm trying to figure out if it still works. I'm imagining it does but just don't do the preload?
Hello, you can still use the 3/4 turn and do the adjustment with lifters that already have oil pressure in them. The valve springs have enough pressure to “bleed” the lifter back under full valve lift during the adjustment process since there is no oil pressure until the engine is started up. Good luck on your project! Thanks for the comment and viewing! Nelson
First of all, my hat of off to Mitch Nelson for referring to this as "rocker arm adjustment" and NOT "adjusting valves". Once valves are installed and have been loaded with spring pressure, retained and clipped, there is no further valve adjustment to be made. Personally, I refer to this procedure as "cam follower plunger depth adjustment". This may be splitting hairs, but it may also be important for those to understand that ignition begins BTDC.... not during or after TDC. This is why our ignition system offer "Spark Advance" or "Spark Lead", of which is all about placing the LPCP (location of peak cylinder pressure) where it needs to be...... 12 to 14 degrees ATDC. At 2:34, Mitch is actually referring to we call the 8 stop static procedure (for an 8 cylinder engine). He is simply using the over-lap point as a reference for adjusting an opposing cylinder. At 10:35, if the harmonic balancer was marked of in 90 degree increments, Mitch could simply rotate the crankshaft 90 degrees, and be where he needs to be for his next two adjustments. The total amount of crankshaft rotation will be 720 degrees.... i.e., two full rotations, and will put us back to # 1 cylinder, which will have been already adjusted. Mitch, with no offense to you, your video is great and is very informative. However, given that this is an average SBC build, and given that the GM cam follower's plunger travel is approximately .080" to .100", this same adjustment could be made with each cylinder being @ TDC on the Compression stroke. Your procedure is great, but is perhaps a bit over-kill for the average SBC. If this was a High Performance build, with a High Performance camshaft, I would fully agree.
Hey Mark, correct in every way and I agree! TDC on the comp stroke is what we are shooting for but for many beginners searching for this adjustment on RUclips, it’s sometimes easier to have a “roadmap” like the video to follow to prevent getting lost and possibly missing a cylinder. You obviously have a great deal of knowledge and interest in engines. You should consider doing videos as well. Really appreciate the comment. Nice to meet you. Nelson
@@mitchnelsonperformance Thank you, Mitch. I am retired these days, and I doubt that I'd want to do any videos. Few years ago....yes, it would have been fun.
@@mitchnelsonperformance Mitch, thanks for the compliment. I began working with the SBCs in the mid 60s. It was nice to see a well done video. So many of these videos lack good information, let alone use the correct verbiage.
@@mitchnelsonperformance You said: "but for many beginners searching for this adjustment on RUclips, it’s sometimes easier to have a “roadmap” like the video to follow to prevent getting lost and possibly missing a cylinder." Mitch, in my opinion, it is dangerous for a beginner to work on an expensive engine. If they are not comfortable, they need to turn it over to a Pro.
I am rebuilding a small block 350 and I'm at the point where I need to adjust the valves. I have searched dozens of videos for how it's done. Yours explains the details that I need to be sure I get it right.
I’ll tell u I have looked at other videos and this one is the best ever it should be showed all across the board so young kids can see how it’s done even more so people like that’s been a mechanic for over 20 years
I appreciate that. I worked for Jasper Engine and Transmission for 7 yrs before I became an Automotive teacher and I owe much of my knowledge to the old guys that were generous enough to pass it on to me when I got started and I remember them every time I pass it on to others. And I’m learning more every day. Thank you again Tony.
Hi maybe u can help I installed a retro lifter in my 351 and of course followed ur intelligence in adjusting the rocker. So what’s happening is I primed the motor spinning the oil pump for several minutes and the lifter is super hard not really allowing me to spin the motor at all as of though the valve is hitting the piston Yet prior to priming everything was perfect Am I doing something wrong pushrods are good only worries is that the lifter got that hard acting like a solid lifter. Do u have any suggestions? Thanks a million
I've never done this before, but I've taken the top end off my motor with plans to change the cam, lifters, and springs...I'd say watching this video made me feel confident in doing so! Great video!
Great! The older Dodge shaft type (non-adjustable) rocker system can be “adjusted” by changing the length of the pushrods instead to get a desired lifter preload if needed. This is also the common procedure on the newer LS engines. Thanks for viewing and subscribe. More videos on the way. Good luck on your project!
Where was this video when I built my first motor that makes things so much easier I had hell finding zero lash and setting preload on my first build ... garnet I was 19 and had no help or guidance spent 12k teaching myself how not to build a 355 ...26 now building a 383 for my 92 k1500 thank man great video
Hey Mason, I know what you mean! I’m 52 and when I was 19 there was no internet! 😳 But I credit my skills to a few old guys that were kind enough to take the time to pass their knowledge on to me. Glad I could be your “old man” 😃 Good luck on your projects and thanks for commenting and subscribing. Nelson
Hi Mitch. I had to replace spring retainer and a pivot retainer on a 1998 dodge ram 1500 5.2L so I had some lifters that had bled down and some that didn't. Both intake and exhaust lifters on the #7 cylinder were still rock hard after sitting several days so I used a washer etaped to the top of the push rods to "convice them" to bleed down, but they're still "firm". I wanted all of them to be approximately the same before making the adjustments. What should I do?
Also, my rocker arms are secured in pairs via the pivot retainers. I've tried to tighten them to just before they are tight in equal measure, but will this method still work with these?
BTW, after viewing many videos and reading many forums and service manuals, you seemed to be the smartest tool in the shed! That's the reason I've come to you with my questions. 😊
Hello, sorry for the late reply, usually if the engine sits for a little time with that lifter/rocker at full valve lift, the valve spring will have enough pressure to bleed the oil back in that lifter. It’s a slow bleed down time so it may take some time. Then rotate to the next lifter/rocker that needs bled. You would need to do this by hand because using the starter can at times run the oil pump fast enough to produce oil pressure back in the lifters. Hope that helps and thanks for the kind words and viewing, Nelson.
I've never built my own engine and it's something I always wanted to do. Watching these guys on youtube building, making fine adjustments, and getting hands dirty building engines makes me drool :D
I want to start by saying thank you I never knew how to do it and now after trial and failure your video helped me thanks a million do u have any videos of building an engine
Hey Tony, we are working on more videos for the channel. We have plans for many more it’s just hard to work in the time with a busy shop. Thank you for the comment and glad we could help. Good luck on your future projects! Nelson
The information you provided, is greatly appreciated, I almost ready for painting the 350 with the heads installed. I have been waiting nearly 40 years for this!! Thanks again 😎
I have always made sure they were all pretty loose on install, and then did each cylinder individually. I rotate until one valve is fairly open and take the play out of the other. Rotate again to open the other valve and close the gap on the second valve. Repeat for all cylinders. Then I adjust with the engine running, backing off each rocker until I get a tick, waiting a few seconds for the lifter to pump clear up.. Then I close it down just enough to remove the tick & go 1/2 turn more. Some guys like 3/4. It's easier to me and never fails.
Thank you Mitch!!! Seriously, you are a great teacher, even for us old motor heads that really only know the basics. I was gonna pull my plugs to make the turning over easier, pull valve covers. Just not sure if I should release the existing preload so that I can start fresh? Should I back them off a turn the eyeball each push rods movement? Thank you for answering, it means a lot to me, I love this truck👍
Hey Terry, you can just back them off and then readjust them as you go through the process (I.e. you don’t need to back them all off first). Yes, a slight up and down feel of the free play will be felt in the pushrod or you can gently lift up and down on the rocker to valve tip until -0- lash is met. You may need to use a 5/8 spark plug or other thin wall socket because I’ve seen thicker wall sockets push against the rocker giving a false feel, or just pull the socket out and check free play then reinsert it as you adjust. Pulling plugs are optional. Once you get it in position (rotation) to begin, the rotations are only 90 deg so it’s fairly easy to rotate between adjustments. If you have a friend that can just feather bump the key, the starter will work great to run through it. Or you could bump it 60 deg and wrench it the other 30 😁Good Luck! 👍
Also, you can still use the 3/4 turn and do the adjustment with lifters that already have oil pressure in them. The valve springs have enough pressure to “bleed” the lifter back under full valve lift during the adjustment process since there is no oil pressure until the engine is started up. You just won’t get that spongy preload feel that I show in the video when I’m rechecking my work due to them being full of oil.
Thank you again Mitch for taking the time to answer my question's. You are a good man and I thank you for bringing value to your followers!!! @@mitchnelsonperformance
Just subscribed! A well done video! I have a 4x4 96 burb with over 250,000 miles it's been sitting and I want to get running again, love that truck! I just bought a new set tires for it! So I will be looking for help on getting my " Boy Blue " on the road again! Very informative and I not being a gear head completely understood that whole video! Thanks
5 days of reading and watching videos and getting more confused and demoralized about to give up i watch your video its like you turn on the light im not working in the dark best teacger man i hate watching instructional videos but gladly watch all your videos thankyou for sharing your knowledge and providing the wisdom to use your knowledge
Hey Tony, so glad we could help out with your project and we really appreciate the kind words and the comment 😁 Nelson
All I ever done when it comes to adjusting lifters is just leave them as they are I never rotate or rock the engine or lifters all I do is just go down the line and tighten them until there is absolutely no slack at all in the lifters and leave it at that and so far out of all the years that I've been doing mechanic work I've never had any problems yet
@@michaelscott8129I'm working on my 72 Chevy El Camino with a 350 small block. Wanting to check the head bolts for torque since I didn't put thread sealer on the head bolts. I was young and no Internet in those days.
Absolutely the best rocker arm adjustment video on RUclips!
Hey David, really appreciate the kind words and the comment. Good luck on your projects. Nelson
Mr Nelson was my automotive teacher for 2 years, never met someone else that could explain things as simply yet accurately and effectively as him. Very fortunate to have crossed paths and learned from him. Here I am learning more outside of school! Congratulations on 1 million views, well deserved. You too mitch! -higginbotham
Hey Higgy! 😁 Thank you so much for the kind words. I enjoyed that class time as much as you did 😁 Very proud of you too. Nelson
I am 73 and been in cars all my life but always learning from more professionals like yourself. Really enjoyed the video and you are an excellent teacher. God Bless
Hey Lanny, we appreciate the kind words and the comment. Good luck on your projects and God Bless, Nelson.
2 years later and I ve used your method on my 3rd motor, glad i saved it, and just wanted to thank you again.
Hey JoDo, we appreciate the kind words and glad we could be a part of your projects! Nelson
Honestly this is the best rocker and lifter adjustment video and explanation I have yet to see and watch
Ok
The best I learned fast
Agreed!!!
8l
Question, can you adjust the values with the intake manifold still on the engine?
Have to admit this is a homerun explanation for adjusting lifters/ valves/ rockers. SAVED FOR LIFE
Appreciate the kind words! Thanks for the comment Captain 57!
Well deserved
My husband says this is by far and away the best Video on youtube regarding hydraulic lifter adjustment. Thanks N.P.
Maybe Nelson is your husband :D
No its not. Theres a better MUCH easier and bulletproof way to get the valves perfectly adjusted to 3/4 preload on the lifter. This guy is WAY over complicating this
@@Kmecha84 make a video so we can all get a good laugg
@@James_the_Builderlaugg?
That is true, is a really good teaching,
Absolutely incredible! The theory, explanation, and modeling of how to adjust valves is by far the best I have seen and has completely eliminated valve train intimidation. Delivered like a true teacher! Thank you for your help and keep up the great videos!
Very much appreciate the kind words 😊
Mitch you should really consider a position in the teaching aspect of engine building...laid out in simple form, I've witnessed my son's turning there engines a hundred times while adjusting their lifters and a hundred times I've explained this method but they're just at the "know it all" stage in their lives so be that the case I just sit back and laugh...one of them will walk by and I'll say I think I heard yur lifters tapping...and there they go...a hundred and one times...lol I've been doing this all my life I'm glad you've given the method a practical title "rock and adjust"...they might listen if I mention rock lol...great video
Yes I agree very interesting thank you very much
Homework4.0...... please understand that we are not adjusting valves! No adjustment can be made to a valve that is installed and has been spring loaded.
We are adjusting the depth of the cam follower plunger.
Hey Timbo, thanks for the comment, and I teach juniors and seniors at a career center so I know all about that “know it all” comment 😁 Thanks again Nelson
Finally a good step by step video. A valve springs change video would probably be a help to many people.
Thanks for viewing and the kind words! Valve spring swap would be a good video, I’ll keep that in mind! Good luck on your projects, Nelson
This man has a calling as an instructor: never condescending in tone or manner, well modulated voice and eye contact, make for a viewer-friendly tutorial. I was looking for a visual to explain this procedure to my nephew, as my attempts to explain it, via phone call, seemed to be falling on deaf ears. This is an excellent presentation for someone like my nephew, that needs a visual aid. I was really getting frustrated while looking for an example of this procedure, as every other video I watched, treated the details of this like its universal knowledge and skimmed over or left them out.
Thank you so much. This is my dad giving the instruction throughout the video. He’s been an Automotive Instructor at a high school level for over 20 years now, he loves it! The world of automotive is dying off to my age group and he loves to keep the fire kindled teaching new things!
@@mitchnelsonperformanceexcellent format 👏
You can't change a tone. God made people speak the way they do for a reason. I talk to people all the time some people say I talk with an attitude which I don't see how when I talk to people normally as if I wanted to be talked to because of how God made me speak I guess weak people don't like the tone.
My dad taught me this method in the late 80's. Still use it to this day and is the best way to adjust valves.
Hey Richard, yep, I agree. Thanks for commenting, Nelson
the easiest and most helpful video out there!
Bravo! This is the video I've been looking for! This is by far, the best lifter/rocker arm/push rod tutorial video I've seen. I had to replace all my push rods due to the wrong size guide plates being installed by a less than reputable speed shop, ( lesson learned ) and I've been researching extensively on how to do it myself. This is the first and only video I've seen that has mentioned anything about the retaining clips on the lifters and the need to not have interference on them. Once again, Bravo! to a well done, well thought out video for those of us that are weekend motor hobbyists! Subscribed!
Hey Ranger, glad we could be a part of your project 👌🏻 Thank you for the kind words and commenting and subscribing. Nelson
The simplest, and well demonstrated hydraulic lifter set video. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and talent!
Thank you! and thanks for the comment Cale.
I just used this method, and it was the easiest way I've ever done it!
Thank’s Grant! Glad it helped. Working on more videos soon!
Iam in shock how much I've learned because of your vedio will attempt to do my own head gaskets job because of the knowledge you have giving me,was all ways a street mechanic, but what I have learned today,is like finding gold,in a mine,will pass this knowledge to my son,.who's a mechanic helper,and is starting n he's career to make a living, thank you so much for sharing this knowledge. 😊
Hello Phillip, thank you for the kind words and commenting. Very glad you enjoyed the video and I always like to hear that you will be passing the knowledge along to your son. Good luck on all your projects 👍 Nelson
Great video, well explained. If I had a teacher like you back in school I'd have been more engaged and done better.😉👍
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I love this video I found it by mistake. This is the best explanation of valve adjustment I ever seen. Mitch you are a top-notch instructor.
Hey Carl, we appreciate the kind words! Glad we could be a part on your projects. Nelson
@@mitchnelsonperformance yes very interesting 🤔 you know I had a friend long ago - showed me how to adjust the Rocker arms - he had 2- valve covers cut Long ways - so he could adjust while Engine was running ! No oil spilling at all ! Adjusted till the tapping Quit 😳 what are your thoughts on that Mr. Nelson ?
Hey Jimmy, I’ve seen that method too, but the big concern is trying to hear that specific rocker while all of them are tapping and also just how much preload you’re really getting on the lifter cup. Thanks for the question and commenting! Nelson
Carl, please understand that we are NOT adjusting valves. (that is a misnomer).
With a mechanical camshaft, we set the clearance between the rocker arm tip and the valve stem.
With a hydraulic camshaft, we set the depth of the cam follower's (aka lifter) plunger.
As I mentioned earlier, once a valve has been installed, the spring fitted, retained and clipped, there is no valve adjustment that can be made.
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Best video ever . Thank you this helped me out.
Thanks for the kind words! Glad it helped.
Excellent video; I looked at many on this subject and yours is the most logical and clear. You didn't come up on a search for "valve lash adjustment" but DID come up on a search for "rocker arm adjustment". If it makes sense, adjust your title a little bit to pick up more hits on the search engine. Take care and thanks again!!
Thanks very much for the comment! We will see about adding that to the search. Good luck on your projects! Nelson
This makes me miss class..... love you dan the man
Miss you guys too. Enjoyed that school year.
Thank you for this. I've been watching any video I can get my hands on to figure out how to adjust the rocker arms on my 350 SBC. None of the other videos explain it like this one, and with your help, I was able to get my valves all set today. Such an effective presentation- I really appreciate your video!
Thanks for the kind words and the comment! Glad it helped you out on your project Seth 👌🏻
Thank you so much for the video, I wish you could share more Video on SBC ! God bless.
Hello, we have more videos in the making on sbc so make sure you subscribe. Thank you 😁
This gentleman is an amazing teacher that is the perfect way to adjust your hydraulic valve train.
Thank you for the kind words Adam and great job on the lifter bore video!
Masterful explanation it is nice to see a video like this. Sr congratulations and greetings .
Really appreciate the kind words Francisco.
F______ finally! I have been looking for HOURS(!!!) for a video that showed that the guy doing it, understood the fact that at TDC, for each cylinder, WAS NOT where the valve should be adjusted(!!!!). I knew that was an issue when I adjusted my valves on my 99 Ranger ( 3.0 ), but I couldn't figure out where that would be correct in the cycle, and almost did it the same way I did it last time (which would have caused damage AGAIN, although I don't want to explain more than that). But let me just say thank you for such a clear and well articulated video, on such an important part of the assembly, that is, for some reason, left out of the other ones I watched. I will definitely be hitting the subscribe button in a few minutes, something I don't usually do on ANY videos I watch. Thanks again, and keep up the good work!
Hey Pete, really appreciate the kind words! And subscribing! We plan to do more engine instructional videos soon. Glad we could be a part of your projects. Nelson
You are a great teacher. Fantastic video with good editing and close up views when needed. Nice work Nelson and camera man! I predict you will gain MANY subscribers with this high quality content. Keep it up! I watched the video for a refresher, been a while since I did the valve pre-load (building a Ford 351W).
Literally watching this cause I just built the 351w in my truck and the valves where tapping
I am a retired ASE Certified Volvo Master tech. The 'rocking' method is the only method that is completely accurate, and this instructor is the only video that I have seen that is doing it correctly. Nearly everyone else is adjusting lash on the 'overlap'. I guess doing it on the 'overlap' is close, but not as accurate as the 'rocking' method.
Great job on this instructional video.
Hey Al, I appreciate the kind words and the comment! It’s always good to have a professional to comment on the video. Thanks again, Nelson
Hey Mitch, Thanks very much for producing this video it was very informative. I am currently replacing the cam in my classic holden 1969 (Australia) I followed your instructions when adjusting the drive train after replacing the cam and your process worked very well. thanks again cheers premier186
Valve train*
Best and clearest explained adjustment on rocker arms preload and valve lash adjustment. So much thinking and confusion and over thinking. And after this video it's the easiest thing. Keep up the good work and Thank you.
Hey Trans Am, thank you for the comment and the kind words 👌 Glad we could be a part of your projects. We have a 98 Trans Am at our shop as well. 500HP LS 6speed. 😎
Thank you for this valuable information 👍🏽
Best video ever, this company should never loose this guy. He is worth all the money. Clear and precise explanations. Should do a mechanics course online 😂😂👍👍🙌🙌
Thanks Jigsaw! Appreciate the kind words! More videos coming soon! Nelson
@@mitchnelsonperformance Don't know if you work Outboard marine engines, but would love a 4 cylinder or 6 cylinder rocker arm adjustment video on those. Maybe Honda or Yamaha. I know Honda have some outboards based on accord 4 cylinder fuel injected engines. Also other good suggestions is tolerances and using the cam checker (gauge) on the cam shaft.
@@CSJiGSaW08 I will for sure consider that!
@@mitchnelsonperformance 🙌🙌
Thank you sir great explanation
I love the way you have shown people how to adjust the rocker amrs and set the preload on the lifter, by far your way is the best and easiest, thank you sir for your help.
Hey David glad we could help on your future projects. Thank you for the kind words and the comment! Nelson
perfect just what i was looking for ---thanks
I agree that this method is the best on RUclips! I have been adjusting mechanical (Not Hydraulic) lash adjusters for decades on mostly 4 cylinder import engines. Now my son needs his lifters adjusted on a SBC V8 in an engine I built him 6 years ago. His buddies all have messed with them and they are all out of wack. (I hate those wing-nut rocker arm cover bolts, they scream, take me off! NO! Those are for mechanical lifters & feeler blades)They all had different ideas on how to set them. I have the clip set that keeps oil from spraying while at warm idle running, but this is not practical on all. Now several cylinders are misfiring. I can't begin to tell you how well you explained this, to help my son (37) understand and how much clearer this old tech can show or explain to him and his buddies . They all can take them apart, but putting together is a different thing. Thanks!
DK, ASE master tech since 78.
Hey Dean, we get a lot of compliments on this video but I can tell you’ve had your hands on a few through the years and that makes those kind words mean even more. Thanks again and good luck on all of you and your sons projects. Glad we could be a part.
I don’t know about you, but I always love sleeping better at night
This is a great how to for any engine builder. 👍. I just used this technique on my sbc and i don't know if it's the comp cam or lifters, but the extra 3/4 turn seemed like too much for my application. The lifter plungers were all but bottomed out with 3/4. With a half turn, the plunger seemed to be about half compressed. Hopefully i didn't make a fatal error
Hello and thanks for viewing and the kind words! 1/2 turn is just fine 👌 a range of 1/2 to one full turn will work for lifter pre-load. Good luck on your projects ,Nelson
Anyone with any intention of working on their motor should watch this video. I have a 5.9 Magnum I've been waiting to do this on. Thank you!
Thanks for commenting! And good luck on the Magnum project!
Absolutely fabulous video. That’s about as simple explanation as you could ask for. Thanks so much.
Glad we could help on the project 👌🏻 thank you for the kind words and commenting
By far the best video on valve preload adjustment!
Hey Thomas, thanks for the kind words and letting us be a part of your project! Nelson
That's how its done, to the point very clear and easy to follow. Thanks a lot
We appreciate the kind words and thanks for the comment and letting us be a part of your project! Nelson
I'm DED!!! That's dead for real. I have been putting of doing this for a month because NO ONE explained or demonstrated it will enough to execute. You sir, have done just that. Thank you and I will be subscribing for your support.
Hey Anthony, Really appreciate the kind words my friend. More videos coming soon. Thanks for subscribing! Nelson
And with this fantastic video, you’ve earned my subscription sir, thank you! Rebuilding my 305 with freshly milled heads tomorrow, will definitely pull this video up when I get to rocker adjustment. It will now go smooth like butter.
Hey Custom Geek, we appreciate you subscribing and the view and the kind words 👍 Glad we can be a part of your projects. I’m sure it will go smooth as butter😁. Nelson
Best explanation I have seen on adjusting the lifters and rockers.
Appreciate the kind words Bill
Excellent job on the instruction for adjusting hyd. lifters. There are a number of ways to do this, but your method is the most precise at making sure the lifters are in their proper position for final adjustment. Thanks for your help in clarifying this needed information.
Hey Stephen, thank you for the kind words and the comment! Good luck on your projects! Nelson
THE BEST VIDEO PERIOD... thanks Crim. You just explain this in general knowledge brother. God bless you and yours
Hey Mark, appreciate the kind words 😁 glad it helped you out. Bless you too my friend! God is too good to us all.
That was the best video on lifters, I had ever seen.
Hey Matt, we appreciate the kind words and thanks for the comment and subscribing. More engine videos soon. Good luck on your projects, Nelson
I have to agree with everyone else here. This is the clearest explanation of this topic on RUclips. Thank you so much 👍
Really do appreciate the kind words. We hope to do more videos soon.
thank you sir for teaching me and clarifying the steps to do this right, I am now ready to tango
Glad we could help out on your project👍 You can do it! Nelson
This is a great video that I shared with my friend that is not too familiar with hydraulic lifters. Thanks for sharing this video because I did my best to explain everything to him, but this was much more clear and concise.🤠
Glad it was helpful! and thanks for the comment and kind words 👍
love from Italy. Do you have any clue how helpful you've been to me? such ability to explain, clarity, depth and detailing of the sharing of knowledge really is rare to find on youtube.thank you very much.
even the blackboard with things written on it for key concept, keep all of these.
Hello Tiziano! Thank you so much for the kind words and letting us be a part of your projects there in Italy! Thanks for the comment and liking and subscribing! More videos coming soon. Nelson
Thanks Nelson, for your acknowledge ment,but for me you are a true hero because you shared your knowledge with those less fortunate ,will keep you my thoughts and mind for all future challenges, that are heading my way concerning my vehicle, I have to change my head gaskets soon,on my 2002 chevy avalanche, with the 8.1 vortex engine,and now feel confident in the .battle because of the knowledge you have shared, again I salute your unselfish ness,and will always keep you close in mind,when dealing with my adventures ,concerning, my vehecles,and will pass this on to my son,and and who ever will open there minds to this knowledge ,take care be safe happy new year sir.😅
Happy New Year😁
This also lets u find tdc to install dist also alows u to check if timimg has jumped was taught this system in1972 finally some one else knows this too! Good job!
Hey Harold, true, true! I should have made that info part of the video. Hmmm perhaps a future video plan? Thanks for the comment Harold!
perfect layout thanks Greetings from the Netherlands
Great👌 Glad we could be a part of the project in the Netherlands 😁
Mitch, I apologize for jumping to conclusions. I re did it n it's running great. Not so easy to do all this by yourself in a 78 Vette. Thanks for the education!!!
Great! and yes, I’m sure that Vette was less than fun 😁
Great teaching/demonstration/graphics/camera work. The best I have seen.
Really appreciate those kind words! My son does the camera work and editing and he is amazing at it. More videos in the making!
This is by far the best instructions I have seen! I really like the way you teach this. I am now subscribed. Thank you!
Hey Ron, appreciate the kind words and subscribing! Nelson
So dry lifters? Lubricant on outside of lifters.and under rocker nut?
This made my life a whole lot easier. I watch many videos on rocker adjustment. But this one is by far the best and easiest way I found. Really appreciate the video you gave us.
Hey Nick, glad we could be of help on the project! Thanks for the kind words. Nelson
This was the best. Mimics my uncle doing this while the engine was running and would finish before the oil squirting got to warm. Amazing. Never made sense until tech explained in detail...
By far the best explanation of valvetrain adjustment
Appreciate the kind words and comment!
Great explanation. Can the rocker be checked with just the valve cover removed?
Hey, first off, thanks for the view! Having the manifold on is no problem, you can just watch for the pushrods to fall and rise instead of watching the lifters. If you take your time and monitor the “lash” you will know when you are at zero lash and then do your 3/4 turn from there. You can have a friend tap the starter while you watch them but it takes a very slight tap of the starter to get to the next adjustment.
I have been researching the best rocker valve adjustment for days now because I am so picky. This is by far the best video i have seen on RUclips, or anywhere for that matter!!! Thank you so much!!
Very much appreciate the kind words friend!
@@mitchnelsonperformance your more than welcome sir. If your not an automotive teacher by trade, you missed your calling!! Alot can be learned by you. Thanks again sir and god bless!
Great explanation, its ben many years since i done this, a refresher is definately helpful.
Thanks for watching and the comment, glad it was helpful.👍
This is my 1st rodeo & your detailed video was enough for me to grab my tools thx😎👌
Good! Glad we could help and be a part of your project 😁👍 Thank you for viewing and commenting. Nelson
Thank you so much for this video. The best i've seen for valve adjustment hands down it's clear concise and no endless rotating which you want to avoid esp on a new build with assy lube on things. Bravo to you.
Hey Ernie, thanks we really appreciate the kind words. Good luck on all your projects!
This is a fantastic way to accurately adjust your valves there are other guys out there showing simpler methods but I question it in real life.
Hey Anthony, glad you like the video and thanks for the kind words and the comment! Nelson
@@mitchnelsonperformance😅
A Chevrolet dealership adjusted my valves , but they used the old nuts. So they backed off. I used this method when my truck broke down while I was on a road trip. I gauged the threads, runs like a champ!!!
That’s great! I’m glad it worked for you and congrats on getting it going! Thanks for the comment and subscribing.
There is not enough space to comment on for how you've shown everyone how to adjust the small block Chevy valves. I like many others so needed this. Im going to start on 2 early 60s C10's with small block engines and this was very helpful. Thanks abunch. Trucker Ray ✝️
Hey Ray, thank you for the comment and the kind words. Did you notice the 68 C10 in the background of the video?😁 Good luck on your projects! Nelson
@@mitchnelsonperformance yes very briefly
its our 68 shop truck. We also have a 71 GMC and a 72 Chevy.
@@mitchnelsonperformance That's cool. I'm going to start this year on my 1st 2 projects ,1962 and 1963 C10s. Looking ar the Silverado 5.3 engine. Any suggestions helpful. Thanks. Trucker Ray ✝️
The 5.3 is always a good choice. Very reliable. We have a 1960 flat bed ton dually also 😁
Very clear, incredibly helpful! You “rock”!
Hey Steve, thanks for the kind words. Good luck on the project, Nelson
This is brilliant. My truck engine purrs now. Subscribed!
Great! Congrats on the truck project and thank you for subscribing!
Thank you by far the best video on RUclips, help me greatly
Thanks for the kind words and commenting! I see you’re a bike guy. I have a little 100cc land speed bike that we built here at the shop. Holds 2 records. Fun project. Thanks again for viewing! Nelson
Just finished adjusting my rockers, went awesome because of your video. Since I had poly locks & can turn the nut with fingers, was to watch the lifter cup move up & down as I turned it back & forth. That way I knew exactly where zero lash was at by feel & sight.
Hey Brian, poly locks are the way to go! Thanks for the comment! Nelson
Hello my friend, I want to adjust my engine rocker arm, the reason because I hear a clicking sound in my valve covers, also one of the gasket valve covers is leaking oil so I want to take that opportunity to adjust my valves all because I'm going to be there around the valves so why not try to fix the problem, hopefully you can help me, I have a 1997 mercury mountaineer AWD 5.0L/302 it belongs to the Ford family, it's a V8 engine, do you think it is possible to adjust it myself I just do not have the specifications on how to adjust it properly but like you say by feel and sight it can be done. Would you please explain this method if it works on my car, thanks in advance for your help, if it's possible my friend. Thanks..
8 cylinders, 720 degrees of rotation with a 4 stroke motor. 720°÷8=90°... every 90°, 1/4 of a crank rotation. Easy as that! Thanks for the visual! I'll need to check my 1968 owners manual for my 302 4v because I THINK it just wants 1/2, but, can't remember
Yep! 90 deg! Most hydraulic lifters will work from 1/4 to 1 full turn.Thanks for the comment tankeater!
Finally a complete tutorial that allows me to understand what the hell people have been half ass saying. Thank you sir. Headed to the wrenches🫡
Are you performing this in the vehicle with oil filled lifters? I'm trying to figure out if it still works. I'm imagining it does but just don't do the preload?
Awesome! Glad we could help out on your project. Nelson
Hello, you can still use the 3/4 turn and do the adjustment with lifters that already have oil pressure in them. The valve springs have enough pressure to “bleed” the lifter back under full valve lift during the adjustment process since there is no oil pressure until the engine is started up. Good luck on your project! Thanks for the comment and viewing! Nelson
thanks for the comment 😁👌🏻
Great video, great teaching. Didn't know I could adjust my chevy like my vw. Thank you
Hey Duane, thanks for viewing and the kind words! Good luck on your projects! Nelson
GREAT VIDEO! I’m getting ready to do this tomorrow for the 1st time on my sbc. Your concise & well instructed explanation is greatly appreciated.
Hey Brian, thanks for the kind words and we’re glad we could help out on the project! Good luck and have fun! Nelson
First of all, my hat of off to Mitch Nelson for referring to this as "rocker arm adjustment" and NOT "adjusting valves".
Once valves are installed and have been loaded with spring pressure, retained and clipped, there is no further valve adjustment to be made. Personally, I refer to this procedure as "cam follower plunger depth adjustment".
This may be splitting hairs, but it may also be important for those to understand that ignition begins BTDC.... not during or after TDC.
This is why our ignition system offer "Spark Advance" or "Spark Lead", of which is all about placing the LPCP (location of peak cylinder pressure) where it needs to be...... 12 to 14 degrees ATDC.
At 2:34, Mitch is actually referring to we call the 8 stop static procedure (for an 8 cylinder engine).
He is simply using the over-lap point as a reference for adjusting an opposing cylinder.
At 10:35, if the harmonic balancer was marked of in 90 degree increments, Mitch could simply rotate the crankshaft 90 degrees, and be where he needs to be for his next two adjustments.
The total amount of crankshaft rotation will be 720 degrees.... i.e., two full rotations, and will put us back to # 1 cylinder, which will have been already adjusted.
Mitch, with no offense to you, your video is great and is very informative.
However, given that this is an average SBC build, and given that the GM cam follower's plunger travel is approximately .080" to .100", this same adjustment could be made with each cylinder being @ TDC on the Compression stroke.
Your procedure is great, but is perhaps a bit over-kill for the average SBC.
If this was a High Performance build, with a High Performance camshaft, I would fully agree.
Hey Mark, correct in every way and I agree! TDC on the comp stroke is what we are shooting for but for many beginners searching for this adjustment on RUclips, it’s sometimes easier to have a “roadmap” like the video to follow to prevent getting lost and possibly missing a cylinder. You obviously have a great deal of knowledge and interest in engines. You should consider doing videos as well. Really appreciate the comment. Nice to meet you. Nelson
@@mitchnelsonperformance Thank you, Mitch. I am retired these days, and I doubt that I'd want to do any videos. Few years ago....yes, it would have been fun.
Never to old to teach my friend 😊
@@mitchnelsonperformance Mitch, thanks for the compliment.
I began working with the SBCs in the mid 60s.
It was nice to see a well done video.
So many of these videos lack good information, let alone use the correct verbiage.
@@mitchnelsonperformance You said: "but for many beginners searching for this adjustment on RUclips, it’s sometimes easier to have a “roadmap” like the video to follow to prevent getting lost and possibly missing a cylinder."
Mitch, in my opinion, it is dangerous for a beginner to work on an expensive engine. If they are not comfortable, they need to turn it over to a Pro.
I am rebuilding a small block 350 and I'm at the point where I need to adjust the valves. I have searched dozens of videos for how it's done. Yours explains the details that I need to be sure I get it right.
Great James! Good luck on the project and thanks for subscribing. More videos on the way soon.
Just used this video to adjust my rockers after engine rebuild. Thanks for the amazingly simple explanation!!
Hey mdezotell, glad we could be a part of your project! Thanks for viewing and subscribing! Nelson
THE BEST WAY TO ADJUST EASY TO UNDERSTAND..........VERY GOOD
Thank You Antonio
ive looked at loads of different ways and this by far is the best explained way i,ve seen
Really appreciate that! Thanks for the comment Aliano
Thank you thank you thank I'm working on a 350 motor and I needed that class thank you very much and God bless you
Hello Will, thank you for the kind words and the comment! Good luck on your 350 project! God bless us all, Nelson
Love this guy the way he teaches how to do it I’ve been using his methods for awhile and it works every time love it
Hey Tony, really appreciate the kind words and the comment! Glad we could be a part of your projects! Nelson
I’ll tell u I have looked at other videos and this one is the best ever it should be showed all across the board so young kids can see how it’s done even more so people like that’s been a mechanic for over 20 years
I appreciate that. I worked for Jasper Engine and Transmission for 7 yrs before I became an Automotive teacher and I owe much of my knowledge to the old guys that were generous enough to pass it on to me when I got started and I remember them every time I pass it on to others. And I’m learning more every day. Thank you again Tony.
Hi maybe u can help I installed a retro lifter in my 351 and of course followed ur intelligence in adjusting the rocker. So what’s happening is I primed the motor spinning the oil pump for several minutes and the lifter is super hard not really allowing me to spin the motor at all as of though the valve is hitting the piston Yet prior to priming everything was perfect Am I doing something wrong pushrods are good only worries is that the lifter got that hard acting like a solid lifter. Do u have any suggestions? Thanks a million
I know u guys are a very busy shop so I cleaned the lifters and now working properly again I appreciate ur videos
I've never done this before, but I've taken the top end off my motor with plans to change the cam, lifters, and springs...I'd say watching this video made me feel confident in doing so! Great video!
Great! The older Dodge shaft type (non-adjustable) rocker system can be “adjusted” by changing the length of the pushrods instead to get a desired lifter preload if needed. This is also the common procedure on the newer LS engines. Thanks for viewing and subscribe. More videos on the way. Good luck on your project!
So much more fun to remove the engine and do it on a stand
The best video on adjustment I've seen to daye
Hey Eric, thank you for the kind comment. Good luck on your projects! Nelson
Where was this video when I built my first motor that makes things so much easier I had hell finding zero lash and setting preload on my first build ... garnet I was 19 and had no help or guidance spent 12k teaching myself how not to build a 355 ...26 now building a 383 for my 92 k1500 thank man great video
Hey Mason, I know what you mean! I’m 52 and when I was 19 there was no internet! 😳 But I credit my skills to a few old guys that were kind enough to take the time to pass their knowledge on to me. Glad I could be your “old man” 😃 Good luck on your projects and thanks for commenting and subscribing. Nelson
P.S. make sure you use a SMALL BASE CIRCLE camshaft in that 383 to clear the connecting rods unless they are made to clear a standard cam.
Hi Mitch. I had to replace spring retainer and a pivot retainer on a 1998 dodge ram 1500 5.2L so I had some lifters that had bled down and some that didn't. Both intake and exhaust lifters on the #7 cylinder were still rock hard after sitting several days so I used a washer etaped to the top of the push rods to "convice them" to bleed down, but they're still "firm". I wanted all of them to be approximately the same before making the adjustments. What should I do?
Also, my rocker arms are secured in pairs via the pivot retainers. I've tried to tighten them to just before they are tight in equal measure, but will this method still work with these?
BTW, after viewing many videos and reading many forums and service manuals, you seemed to be the smartest tool in the shed! That's the reason I've come to you with my questions. 😊
Hello, sorry for the late reply, usually if the engine sits for a little time with that lifter/rocker at full valve lift, the valve spring will have enough pressure to bleed the oil back in that lifter. It’s a slow bleed down time so it may take some time. Then rotate to the next lifter/rocker that needs bled. You would need to do this by hand because using the starter can at times run the oil pump fast enough to produce oil pressure back in the lifters. Hope that helps and thanks for the kind words and viewing, Nelson.
3rd time using this video! It goes exactly as described. Love it! Thank you!
Hey Fernando, thank you for the kind words and commenting. Glad we could be a part of your projects, Nelson.
I've never built my own engine and it's something I always wanted to do. Watching these guys on youtube building, making fine adjustments, and getting hands dirty building engines makes me drool :D
Hey Javelin, just grab a wrench jump in with both feet 😁 Thanks for the comment! Nelson
You literally just now saved me! Thank you!
Hey Darby, glad we could help on your project and thanks for the comment! Nelson
Thank you, I was having trouble figuring out what "no play" meant and I thought I was under-tightening them. Turns out I was over tightening!
Great, and thanks for the comment and viewing!
I want to start by saying thank you I never knew how to do it and now after trial and failure your video helped me thanks a million do u have any videos of building an engine
Hey Tony, we are working on more videos for the channel. We have plans for many more it’s just hard to work in the time with a busy shop. Thank you for the comment and glad we could help. Good luck on your future projects! Nelson
The information you provided, is greatly appreciated, I almost ready for painting the 350 with the heads installed. I have been waiting nearly 40 years for this!! Thanks again 😎
Hey Norman, glad we could be a part of your project and congrats! Nelson
The most informative and understandable video on RUclips. Thanks man!
Appreciate the kind words Hwp405!
I have always made sure they were all pretty loose on install, and then did each cylinder individually. I rotate until one valve is fairly open and take the play out of the other. Rotate again to open the other valve and close the gap on the second valve. Repeat for all cylinders. Then I adjust with the engine running, backing off each rocker until I get a tick, waiting a few seconds for the lifter to pump clear up.. Then I close it down just enough to remove the tick & go 1/2 turn more. Some guys like 3/4. It's easier to me and never fails.
Yep, I’ve seen a few guys do it that way through the years. Gotta have good ears 😁
You are really outstanding. Great teacher. You take time to bring understanding. Master piece. God bless you. South Africa.
Hello Aidan, thank you so much for the kind words and viewing. Hope it helped you on your project. Nelson
Thank you Mitch!!! Seriously, you are a great teacher, even for us old motor heads that really only know the basics. I was gonna pull my plugs to make the turning over easier, pull valve covers. Just not sure if I should release the existing preload so that I can start fresh? Should I back them off a turn the eyeball each push rods movement?
Thank you for answering, it means a lot to me, I love this truck👍
Hey Terry, you can just back them off and then readjust them as you go through the process (I.e. you don’t need to back them all off first). Yes, a slight up and down feel of the free play will be felt in the pushrod or you can gently lift up and down on the rocker to valve tip until -0- lash is met. You may need to use a 5/8 spark plug or other thin wall socket because I’ve seen thicker wall sockets push against the rocker giving a false feel, or just pull the socket out and check free play then reinsert it as you adjust. Pulling plugs are optional. Once you get it in position (rotation) to begin, the rotations are only 90 deg so it’s fairly easy to rotate between adjustments. If you have a friend that can just feather bump the key, the starter will work great to run through it. Or you could bump it 60 deg and wrench it the other 30 😁Good Luck! 👍
Also, you can still use the 3/4 turn and do the adjustment with lifters that already have oil pressure in them. The valve springs have enough pressure to “bleed” the lifter back under full valve lift during the adjustment process since there is no oil pressure until the engine is started up. You just won’t get that spongy preload feel that I show in the video when I’m rechecking my work due to them being full of oil.
Thank you again Mitch for taking the time to answer my question's. You are a good man and I thank you for bringing value to your followers!!! @@mitchnelsonperformance
No problem 👌
Just subscribed! A well done video! I have a 4x4 96 burb with over 250,000 miles it's been sitting and I want to get running again, love that truck! I just bought a new set tires for it! So I will be looking for help on getting my " Boy Blue " on the road again! Very informative and I not being a gear head completely understood that whole video! Thanks
Hey Michael, thank you for the kind words and subscribing! Good luck on the Blue Burb project 😁