Adjusting Valve lash on 2.8 ---X-mas help

[BigTirez]

I am installing new new heads and rocker shafts on my ranger and need some advice on setting valve clearance.

It is a 84 2.8l, and my question is how to get the initial set-up on the adjustments. Normally I would set the engine to TDC for the number 1 and then tighten down the intake and exhaust for the number one cylinder and then work my wy around the firing order. The HAYNES manual says to set the engine so the number 5 intake valve is just opening and then adjust the number one cylinder valves and work your way around the firing order using the table.

How the heck do I know when the number 5 intake valve is just starting to open???

Please give me a good Christmas and help me out.

 

[Ranger5.0]

Well, you can turn the engine over by hand, and watch the #5 rocker, when it starts to move, then that means the intake valve is starting to open.

 

[skippy]

rotating the crank w/breaker bar and socket,watch the intake valve stem and rocker,when it just starts to push down you are there.

 

[BigTirez]

SO, do I adjust #1 when #1 is TDC

Thanks for all the help guys, so when #1 goes TDC is that about the same time that #5 intake starts to move? JUst seems so much different than the chevy engines I have rebuilt.

I won't get a chance to turn some wrenches until dinner is over, I can hardly wait....this is my first ranger and I am already in love with it......just wish I had pulled the engine to change the heads....damn it is tight on the passenger side......

 

[skippy]

just follow haynes book valve clearance adjustment instructions to the letter,forget tdc and chevy adjustment stuff,block it out.i went thru the adjustment 3 times just to be sure i was dead on accurate.

 

[enginepaul]

If you put your finger on the rocker, it will be obvious when it starts opening.
Don't forget to re-adjust after a few miles and everything settles in.

 

[skippy]

these little trucks are easy to fall in love with and fairly easy to work on.watch out though,the more you do the more you want to do,like an addiction and before you know it,you're hooked.