Just did my valve seals and?

[EdwardK]

'74 620, L18, Manual.

 

Did the valve seals, truck still smokes a little on the downshift, but nothing like before. So I think I was successful in installing the new seals.

 

I did drop a nickel sized piece of PVC down the timing chain hole. I can hear it when she's running. Most annoying sound ever. I'll get it out when I redo the gaskets soon.

 

Anyway, what I want to know is this: I tightened all of the valves down to the correct tolerance (.008 intake and .010 exhaust) and now she idles really low. Around 450-600 instead of 600-900 like before. Should I adjust the carb?

 

Another point. I've adjusted the valves twice now. And the ticking will go away for about 30 to 50 miles and then it just comes back. Am I just doomed to have a clicky truck?

[datzenmike]

Better to set them on a hot motor. Intake 0.010" and exhaust 0.012".

 

0.08" and 0.010" is a cold setting and assumes that when warmed up the clearances will be correct. Setting them hot is a real world conditions setting.

 

Don't worry about the piece of plastic. The gears will grind it up if it gets in the way. In the past people have pulled motors apart to find the remains of a wooden chain block still in there.

[EdwardK]

Better to set them on a hot motor. Intake 0.010" and exhaust 0.012".

 

0.08" and 0.010" is a cold setting and assumes that when warmed up the clearances will be correct. Setting them hot is a real world conditions setting.

 

Don't worry about the piece of plastic. The gears will grind it up if it gets in the way. In the past people have pulled motors apart to find the remains of a wooden chain block still in there.

 

Alright. That makes sense, I'll go do them again before the week is out.

 

Makes me feel better, I won't worry overly much about it.