? on clay method of checking p to v
? on clay method of checking p to v Got a couple of questions on checking piston to valve clearance using the clay method.
1. What type of clay?
2. Should I check it with or without the head gaskets? - I'll be using .045 Cometics
3. If I don't use the head gaskets, do I just add in the thickness to the measurement I get?
4. What is the safe minimum clearances on the intake and exhaust?
Thanks
1. What type of clay?
2. Should I check it with or without the head gaskets? - I'll be using .045 Cometics
3. If I don't use the head gaskets, do I just add in the thickness to the measurement I get?
4. What is the safe minimum clearances on the intake and exhaust?
Thanks
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 14,620
Likes: 17
From: BFE
Originally Posted by tdrumm
Got a couple of questions on checking piston to valve clearance using the clay method.
1. What type of clay? Natural clay, not elastic
2. Should I check it with or without the head gaskets? - I'll be using .045 Cometics. You can do it without, but Cometic are reusable and you should use ARP bolts anyways, so i would put them on for a clearer picture.
3. If I don't use the head gaskets, do I just add in the thickness to the measurement I get? Yes compressed value
4. What is the safe minimum clearances on the intake and exhaust?
That is a grey area, I like .080 int/ and .100 exhaust for the street (kinda conservative, but I've never kissed my pistons)
Thanks
1. What type of clay? Natural clay, not elastic
2. Should I check it with or without the head gaskets? - I'll be using .045 Cometics. You can do it without, but Cometic are reusable and you should use ARP bolts anyways, so i would put them on for a clearer picture.
3. If I don't use the head gaskets, do I just add in the thickness to the measurement I get? Yes compressed value
4. What is the safe minimum clearances on the intake and exhaust?
That is a grey area, I like .080 int/ and .100 exhaust for the street (kinda conservative, but I've never kissed my pistons)
Thanks
Originally Posted by PREDATOR-Z
No, but I've seen issues with later LS blocks (block thread holes not deep enough)
Dixit
TECH Regular
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
Quote <2. Should I check it with or without the head gaskets? - I'll be using .045 Cometics. You can do it without> End quote
1.Don't the truck pistons come above the deck like other LS engines? If so, it's not going to crank over with no gaskets.
2.Besides, theres less chance of getting a 'negative clearance reading' with the gasket in place.
3. And once the piston/deck is measured, perhaps a thinner gasket would be good for squish and compression ratio.The forum consensus is that 0.030" clearance is plenty. safe.
1.Don't the truck pistons come above the deck like other LS engines? If so, it's not going to crank over with no gaskets.
2.Besides, theres less chance of getting a 'negative clearance reading' with the gasket in place.
3. And once the piston/deck is measured, perhaps a thinner gasket would be good for squish and compression ratio.The forum consensus is that 0.030" clearance is plenty. safe.
Originally Posted by MadBill
Quote <2. Should I check it with or without the head gaskets? - I'll be using .045 Cometics. You can do it without> End quote
1.Don't the truck pistons come above the deck like other LS engines? If so, it's not going to crank over with no gaskets.
2.Besides, theres less chance of getting a 'negative clearance reading' with the gasket in place.
3. And once the piston/deck is measured, perhaps a thinner gasket would be good for squish and compression ratio.The forum consensus is that 0.030" clearance is plenty. safe.
1.Don't the truck pistons come above the deck like other LS engines? If so, it's not going to crank over with no gaskets.
2.Besides, theres less chance of getting a 'negative clearance reading' with the gasket in place.
3. And once the piston/deck is measured, perhaps a thinner gasket would be good for squish and compression ratio.The forum consensus is that 0.030" clearance is plenty. safe.