Adjusting Valve Clearance: 1970-73

Repeated valve seat and face reconditioning operations will decrease valve clearance to the point that if a correction is not made, the valve lifters will cease to function. To correct changes a.060" shorter or a.060" longer replacement push rod is available. When adjusting valve clearance, valve lifter must be completely collapsed. Using a suitable tool (T71P-6513-A) slowly depress valve lifter until plunger is bottomed. Hold lifter down and adjust to specifications. The procedure for checking valve clearance is as follows:

1. Rotate crankshaft until No. 1 piston is at TDC (point "A") after compression stroke as indicated by timing mark on crankshaft damper and pointer (see illustration). Make a chalk mark on damper 180° (point "B") from TDC mark. Make chalk mark on damper 90° (point "C") counterclockwise from TDC mark.
2. With damper at position "A", check the following valves:

   Intake No. 1-7-8. Exhaust No. 1-5-4.

3. Rotate crankshaft 180° (1/2 turn) clockwise from position "A" so that position "B" is opposite pointer. Check the following valves:

   Intake No 5-4. Exhaust No. 2-6.

4. Rotate crankshaft 270° (3/4 turn) clockwise from position "B" so that position "C" is opposite pointer. Check the following valves:

   Intake No. 2-3-6. Exhaust No. 3-7-8.

   Hydraulic Valve Lifter Clearance
   
   

   Engine	Clearance
   1970 429" & 460"	.075-.175"
   1971 429" & 460"	.105-.205"
   1972-73 429"	.075-.175"
   1972-73 460"	.105-.205"

   Fig 1: 1970-73 Positions For Checking Valve Clearance

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

1970-71 Mechanical Tappets 

Adjust to "Hot" specifications after engine has ran approximately 15 minutes. Set valves with a step type feeler gauge (go no-go).