Stupid questions about valve train..

[Jesse/DVK]

Car makes a horrible ticking sound when it idles and gets a bit worse when i rev it.

What are the figures to aim for when setting valve lash??

0 when cold is what I'm told.. But when hot?? My engine has around 0.40mm when hot.. Is that to much?


Also how much side play for the rockers?

[Rasser]

Rocker sideplay I usually do by feel, and when in doubt i use a 0,05mm "feeler blade". You need a little bit of clearance so the oil can escape, and thereby get pressed in the other way and lubricate the rockers/shaft. I´m not sure whether this is THE way to do it, but it has always worked for me.
Set them up WITHOUT having the pushrods mounted. It takes some time to get them perfect, and you may have to chenge shims around several times in order to get it spot on.

I don´t think many people measure valvelash when hot, but when COLD most people set them:
Steel rods="0" (should turn with your fingertips) or 0,05mm
Aluminium= 0,10-0,15mm

While you have your rockers off, check your valveguides for wear. It´s difficult if you have double springs, but try if you can rock the valves, and notice how much. It may not be the most accurate way to do it, but at least it will tell you a little bit about the guides condition. Guides that are very worn may also cause ticking, but it will get worse once the engine is warmed up and the oil is thin/warm.

Also check if any of your valveguides have come loose! I had that happen once, and it makes a horrible ticking sound when the guide is forced up and down with the valve.

Hope that helps a little bit determining the ticking sound.

[Diederick/DVK]

did you solve it jesse? hope you can drive to ninove!!

[Jesse/DVK]

Thanks for the reply Rasser. But i'm done with it. I'm bringing it to the Otto Bros monday. See what they say .

No Ninove died