I got around to "learning" how to set my valve lash today...boy, do I appreciate hydraulic lifters...

Anyway- the video that I watched was one of Tim McMaster's methods.  He had adjusters that he was just able to turn with a socket.  Mine are the style that requires a box end wrench and a screwdriver...Can I just swap in the adjusters that HE was using into my setup?  Locking that nut down got annoying on a few of them.  

Thanks.  

The lock nut adjuster is the superior adjuster.  It does take some practice to get a feel for tightening them.

The other type is an interference fit adjuster, which wears out eventually and no longer holds the adjustment.  I don't think you can go to interference fit from lock nut.



Lawrenceville, GA

Not to discourage you but 50’s cars/engines needed maintenance constantly. Adjusting valve lash is easier if you get a push button starter/jumper you can easily attach to the starter solenoid on the inner fender. They work with the key off so the car won’t start. You can set the gap on each cylinder one at a time or on opposite valves with one is fully open. Once done I run the engine with the rocker cover off with a piece of cardboard in the trough to make sure the oil is draining on the over flows. Good luck. I have the lock nuts on 3 different vintage engines and they hold the correct setting very close. 

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

You can substitute the interference adjusters for the nut type - I did on on two rockers.  However, I found that getting the .019 clearance was almost to the end of the adjustment  so you have to be careful you can get all the adjustment you want/need.

The rocker themselves are a little thicker in the bolt area with the nut type that with the interference type.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Alright, then...I guess I'll just deal with them. 

I grabbed one of those push-button starters and I am going to pick up a stubby 5/8 wrench that will make it easier.  

How often should I be checking them?

I do it every oil change which is once a year around 1000-1200 miles. Our Y is a weekend cruiser. I rarely find any off in 11 years. I have had the heads off once for cleaning and valve guide seals. I just lapped them and none leaked. 

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

I found this setup to make it easiest for me. AutoZone had a full set of pass through sockets for a reasonable price.





.150 Stroked Y-Block:327.25 ci @ >1hp per ci
 

I set mine cold with the engine off. Just set them .002 looser to allow for normal operating temperature expansion. The lock nuts are more secure. If you don’t race the adjustment should last for quite awhile.

1955 312 T-Bird Warwick, NY