Setting valve lash-cold engine
 

I need to check the valve lash on my engine, but can not warm it up.(Don't want to piss off the neighbors.) It is a solid lifter SBC, the settings are .022 intake and .024 exhaust when warm. What would the settings be when cold?

Re: Setting valve lash-cold engine
 

Some say add .002 for intake and .003 for exhaust.

Re: Setting valve lash-cold engine
 

you don't add lash . you set it tighter cold. the lash grows with heat. . the amount depends on whether it's an alum or iron headed eng ect. . mine for example with aluminum head , titanium valves is .016 int. and .018 ext. hot. and .010 and .012 cold. your best bet is to set yours cold at .018 and.020 cold and then reset it hot at the track , then when you get home check it cold. and that's your number.

Re: Setting valve lash-cold engine
 

^^^^^
What Mark said.

Re: Setting valve lash-cold engine
 

X2 what mark said. I set mine .004 tighter when cold. never bother setting them hot anymore. Checked it many times, that's my difference. Of course I have shaft rockers now, they seem to hold the lash much better

Re: Setting valve lash-cold engine
 

I'd ck them all cold and see what they are. I'd adjust any loose ones to what the tighter ones are. Next time get it hot and ck and set the valves then let it cool and ck them. you then know what cold setting should be.