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1965-1969 Chevrolet Corvair valve adjustment

Introduction

Even hydraulic lifters can get out of adjustment! Improperly adjusted valve can cause noise, poor operation, excessive wear, and can even destroy your engine!

What you need

  1. 1965-1969 Chevrolet Corvair valve adjustment, 1965-1969 Chevrolet Corvair valve adjustment: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • Adjusting the valves first requires removing the valve cover. There are two valve covers, one on each side of the car. In this guide we'll be adjusting the valves on the drivers side, which does not have the exhaust in the way.

    • Look under the back of the car, and on the side of the engine you will see the valve cover.

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  2. 1965-1969 Chevrolet Corvair valve adjustment: step 2, image 1 of 1

    • In order to remove the valve cover, locate the 4 bolts which hold it in place and remove them using a 7/16" socket or wrench.

    • Remove them carefully to avoid stripping the holes.

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  4. 1965-1969 Chevrolet Corvair valve adjustment: step 3, image 1 of 2 1965-1969 Chevrolet Corvair valve adjustment: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Next, remove the valve cover and the gasket by pulling out gently.

    • Put a piece of cardboard below to capture the oil which will spill out.

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  5. 1965-1969 Chevrolet Corvair valve adjustment: step 4, image 1 of 2 1965-1969 Chevrolet Corvair valve adjustment: step 4, image 2 of 2

    • Now you must attach the 1/3 Valve Cover, which is essentially 1/3 of a valve cover that keeps the oil in while exposing the valves so you can adjust them when the engine is running.

    • Place the valve cover on the lower side of the valves and line up the bolt holes. Verify the gasket is in place and use the bolts you previously removed to attach the adjustment cover.

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  6. 1965-1969 Chevrolet Corvair valve adjustment: step 5, image 1 of 1

    • Finally, turn on the engine and you are ready to adjust.

    • Start on the left side and adjust each one at a time using a 5/16" socket.

    • Loosen the bolt on the lifter till you hear that lifter start ticking. The ticking noise should be quite apparent.

    • Then slowly tighten it till it stops ticking. And then tighten in one half turn. Now you can move on to the next valve.

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Conclusion

To reassemble, simply follow steps 1-4 in reverse order. Make sure to adjust the valves on the other side of your engine using the same procedure.

Author

with 4 other contributors

Noah

Member since: 10/03/12

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Team

Cal Poly, Team 6-33, Regan Fall 2012 Member of Cal Poly, Team 6-33, Regan Fall 2012

CPSU-REGAN-F12S6G33

3 Members

7 Guides authored

One Comment

Be sure to check and adjust the engine oil level afterward.

To avoid smoke and odor, remove as much spilled oil as possible from the exhaust manifolds.

George - Reply

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