Hello:

I am preparing to install a hydraulic roller in my 396 (402) and would like to check valve /piston clearance. It is not overly aggressive ( 224/230 @ .05) with a .510 lift. but I am not sure what pistons were used in the short block. I need to have a solid lifter or equivalent to get this done(correct?). My old cam is a stock flat tappet hydraulic so I can't use those. I am not too keen on doing anything to a new roller lifter to get the job done.

I searched some of the previous threads and did not see anything but my internet savy is not the greatest. Does anyone out there have a good alternative or should I roll the dice?

Thanks,

Charlie

Hello:

I am preparing to install a hydraulic roller in my 396 (402) and would like to check valve /piston clearance. It is not overly aggressive ( 224/230 @ .05) with a .510 lift. but I am not sure what pistons were used in the short block. I need to have a solid lifter or equivalent to get this done(correct?). My old cam is a stock flat tappet hydraulic so I can't use those. I am not too keen on doing anything to a new roller lifter to get the job done.

I searched some of the previous threads and did not see anything but my internet savy is not the greatest. Does anyone out there have a good alternative or should I roll the dice?

Thanks,

Charlie
=
With that weenie cam in a rat you could probably drive a truck between the valves & pistons :D
But if you want to check them get a couple of checking springs so you don't collapse them & use your rollers.
You cannot use a solid roller even if you had one.
Hyd roller pushrods are much shorter than either flat tappet or most solid roller lifters.

On this subject. Where do you guys get the clay that you use? Is it something that you can pick up at a hobby store?

Thanks Mike,

I am being cautious because I don't know what pistons the guy used building the engine. The pistons have protrustion approx .190 at max height over the block deck. Unless I rebuild will never know until valve kisses its neighbour. I guess I was a little too vague in my original post. I was thinking of making a hydraulic lifter into solid lifter just to make the check....remove the guts of the lifter and replace it with a slug with the same dimensions of the lifter solid or pumped.....but if the nominal clearance is enough through the rotation cycle...I will roll the dice.

Just to add to the discussion......Is there a safe zone when selecting a cam....assumming the bottom end is stock or close.


Also...Last post...Walmart have modeling clay in their craft section...soft and pliable.

Charlie

Hi Mike,

I read your post again....10-4 .....I know what I have to do. Ignore last post....sorry...brain f**t.


Charlie

Hi Mike,

I read your post again....10-4 .....I know what I have to do. Ignore last post....sorry...brain f**t.


Charlie
HI Charlie,
Don't mistake my last post as a recommendation not to check something as important as p/v clearance if you have doubts :)
It is good experience for you anyway.
But with a cam with limited duration like you have, from experience, you are not going to have a problem.

Now, I don't recommend jamming screwdrivers or anything like this in the plug hole but rope works.
I use air but I always want the piston at TDC simply because if a fitting were to come loose, hose burst or even it for some reason I can't finish the job I started I know there is no way I am going to loose the valve if I wander off & start another project,,,

Kyle,
I don't normally use clay but it does work, it's cheap & yes you can get it at "Toys are Us :D

try the microwave oven if the clay is not pliable.:thumbsup: Red Wing fan but go Habs.

Kyle, I don't normally use clay but it does work, it's cheap & yes you can get it at "Toys are Us :D

Cool I will pick it up when I am getting new tires for the bigwheel. HEY! wait a minute? You implying Im a little wet behind the ears old man?

Cool I will pick it up when I am getting new tires for the bigwheel. HEY! wait a minute? You implying Im a little wet behind the ears old man?
=
Hey,,,, I ain't old,,, just well seasoned,,, very well seasoned :p
=


Charlie,
Just a note, that .190 dome has nothing to do with p/v clearance, it is the notch or notches for the valve. :thumbsup: