how to adjust 350 chevy valves

Daniel Parker

3 min read

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19-01-2025

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Meta Description: Learn how to properly adjust valves on your 350 Chevy engine. This comprehensive guide covers tools, procedures, and troubleshooting tips for a smooth, efficient engine. Get the best performance from your small-block Chevy! (158 characters)

This guide provides a step-by-step process for adjusting the valves on your small-block 350 Chevy engine. Regular valve adjustments are crucial for maintaining optimal engine performance and preventing damage. Ignoring this vital maintenance task can lead to decreased power, poor fuel economy, and even engine failure. Let's get started!

Tools You'll Need

Before you begin, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more efficient. You'll need:

• Valve adjustment wrench: This specialized wrench fits the valve adjusters on your specific engine. Make sure it's the correct size.
• Feeler gauges: These are essential for accurately measuring valve clearance. A set covering the range of clearances specified in your engine's manual is ideal.
• Socket set: You'll likely need various sockets for removing rocker arm covers, spark plugs, and possibly other components depending on your access.
• Wrench set: Metric and/or SAE wrenches will be useful for various fasteners.
• Torque wrench: While not strictly necessary for valve adjustment itself, a torque wrench is essential for correctly reinstalling components later.
• Owner's manual: This will give you the correct valve lash specifications for your specific engine. This is critical. Different camshafts and engine configurations require different settings.
• Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from grease and grime.
• Shop towels or rags: For cleaning up spills and keeping things tidy.

Preparing Your 350 Chevy for Valve Adjustment

1. Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting any work on your vehicle's electrical system. This is a fundamental safety precaution.
2. Warm-up the Engine: Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature. This helps to ensure accurate measurements, as the engine components expand during operation.
3. Access the Rocker Arms: Remove the valve covers to expose the rocker arms and valve adjusters. You may need to disconnect some components for easier access, depending on your vehicle's setup. Consult your owner's manual if needed. Take pictures before disassembling anything to help you during reassembly.

How to Adjust 350 Chevy Valves: Step-by-Step

This process assumes a basic understanding of internal combustion engines and their components. If you're unsure about any step, consult a qualified mechanic.

1. Identify Intake and Exhaust Valves: Each rocker arm controls either an intake or exhaust valve. Your owner's manual will show you how to distinguish between them.
2. Locate the Adjusters: Find the adjuster on each rocker arm. These are typically screw-type adjusters.
3. Find Top Dead Center (TDC): This step is critical for accurate adjustment. Using a degree wheel or your owner's manual, locate TDC for each cylinder, one at a time. This ensures the valves are fully closed for accurate measurement.
4. Measure Valve Lash: Insert the appropriate feeler gauge between the rocker arm and valve stem. The correct thickness is specified in your owner's manual. You'll need to slightly loosen the adjuster before sliding the feeler gauge in. The gauge should slide with slight resistance.
5. Adjust Valve Lash: If the feeler gauge is too loose, tighten the adjuster until the correct resistance is felt. If it's too tight, loosen the adjuster slightly. Tighten the locknut after each adjustment. Always refer to your owner's manual for the correct specifications.
6. Repeat for All Valves: Repeat steps 3-5 for every valve on your engine. Remember to rotate the crankshaft to the correct TDC for each cylinder.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Incorrect Valve Lash: If the valves are not adjusted properly, the engine may run rough, lose power, or have difficulty starting. Double-check your measurements and adjustments.
• Damaged Adjusters: If the adjusters are worn or damaged, they may need to be replaced.
• Bent Pushrods: Bent pushrods can interfere with valve adjustment and cause noisy operation. Inspect for damage.

Maintaining Your 350 Chevy Engine

Regular valve adjustments are an important part of maintaining your 350 Chevy engine's performance and longevity. Refer to your owner's manual for the recommended adjustment intervals. Following these steps ensures your engine continues to run smoothly and efficiently for years to come. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult a professional if you are uncomfortable performing this task yourself.

(Remember to replace the bracketed information with the specific details of your 350 Chevy engine and consult your owner's manual for accurate specifications. This guide is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional advice.)