Could I use clay on the piston head to check PTV. Put a small tab in the valve pocket .200 thick and rotate the engine over twice. I'm sure I have no direct Piston to valve contact I just want the actual clearance spec.
Ed

 

yes you can. only put a small amount and make sure that you put it were the clay does not get in the valve... then take out a mic and get your mesurement. the idea of the clay is to check the amount of clearance from the piston at tdc and the valve at full open. good luck...

mark

 

If you have pockets in the pistons, you also need to check side clearance (distance of side of valve to side of pocket).

 

Don't forget to add a little oil to the clay and maybe also to the valves so that the clay wont stick to the valves.

 

Clay method is OK but I prefer taking measurements to get a better number. The clay is somewhat subjective and can vary depending on how/where you cleave it, etc.

 

The oil is a good idea, I will probably hit the valve with dab of grease.
Souppose it is not perfectly accurate, but more like plasti-gage.
Ed
Tony M.put the heads together so this way I don't have to disassemble them to put check springs on, Right?

 

If using real springs, you need a solid lifter.

 

I got one for measuring for pushrod length