i decided to adjust my valves while i got the tank,carb etc removed. i believe i have the T aligned correctly. when it says there should be play in the rockers? its a very minimum amount of play?correct? was very tricky geting it to line up. i wasnt sure if it should be very loose or what. also i cant get the feeler gauge under it. i am to loosen it until it just slides under correct? is it common for them to be to tight?

 

As the engine wears, the valves wear up into the valve seats. This causes the valves to tighten, so it is possible they are too tight.

 

but when they say at TDC all 4 rockers should have play. how much play. just a very slight wiggle? i think im at TDC but just am not sure how much play i should have.

 

Correct at TDC you should feel just a slight amount of movement. Mine was just a tiny bit of play, especially on my intake it was so slight.

 

Basically the rockers should rock about .005 or so (close to whatever spec is on that machine).

If both rockers are tight, you've got the engine at top dead center between exhaust and intake stroke, where both valves are slightly open (hence no play) in an overlap phase.

You want the engine TDC between compression and power stroke where both valves would be fully closed, and there would be play in both rockers.

If the rockers are tight, rotate the engine another turn until the T is back, and they should then be loose.

 

yes very small amount of play in rockers. im pretty sure its right..and what about the valves bieng to tight. should i just loosen them to specs and retighten them.

another big ? ive seen mutiple anwsers. removeing the choke? good or bad? ive got it apart and nows the time to do it if im gonna. i live in eastern MD not sure what level that is, would say sea level. planning on running a 42 pilot 152 main with slip-on and k&n w drilled lid. sound ok?

 

If there is play in the rockers, you want the feeler gauge to slide through with a slight bit of drag. Make sure it's liked up straight (in the same plane) to get an accurate feel.

If you have to adjust one, hold the screw while loosening the lock nut, adjust the screw a bit, and retighten, and check again with the feeler gauge.

Valves generally loosen with wear...