470 Lifter Compressor Tool?

[nola mike]

Getting ready to (hopefully) put the head back together and get the boat running next weekend . I got new pushrods and valves for the #3 and 4 exhaust. The new pushrods are slightly (maybe 1/32") longer than the old, but still within spec for stock length. Given that, I'd like to measure my clearances. Looks like you need a special tool, which I can't find anywhere, and can't seem to find a suitable replacement.
1) Is there another way to measure my valve clearance (note that the procedure for this head appears different than the standard chevy's)
2) Anyone know where to find a tool, or have something else that may work?

 

[Don S]

Re: 470 Lifter Compressor Tool?

1) Is there another way to measure my valve clearance (note that the procedure for this head appears different than the standard chevy's)

I would guess it would, it's a Ford head and Ford lifter system.

Those pushrods also come in 4 sizes

 

[nola mike]

Re: 470 Lifter Compressor Tool?

I would guess it would, it's a Ford head and Ford lifter system.

Those pushrods also come in 4 sizes

Right, wanted to clarify before everyone jumped in with the Chevy adjustment procedure. And that's why I need to check the clearance; the new rods are still within spec as being "uncolored", as are the old ones, but they are slightly different lengths.

 

[telstar1]

Re: 470 Lifter Compressor Tool?

Right, wanted to clarify before everyone jumped in with the Chevy adjustment procedure. And that's why I need to check the clearance; the new rods are still within spec as being "uncolored", as are the old ones, but they are slightly different lengths.

View attachment 89269

You can create a tool using a heel bar and a hose clamp. Worked for me.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: 470 Lifter Compressor Tool?

I'd like to measure my clearances. Looks like you need a special tool, which I can't find anywhere,

Natemoore is the MAN LOL. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=353035&highlight=470+tools post #18

 

[stonyloam]

Re: 470 Lifter Compressor Tool?

Chevy adjustment procedure.
View attachment 89269

Right, there is no "adjustment procedure" here. You just torque the rocker bolt, collapse the lifter and measure the clearance. Too little, get a shorter pushrod, too much, get a longer one. Your ford dealer should stock all of the lengths, probably less expensive then Merc. dealer.

 

[nola mike]

Re: 470 Lifter Compressor Tool?

You can create a tool using a heel bar and a hose clamp. Worked for me.

Thanks, that worked great. You need a strong hose clamp. Lifters collapsed easily. I have the older style rocker arms with a separate baffle, which I had to remove, then replace after measuring. I used allen wrenches to use as feeler gauges.

 

[Pete104]

Re: 470 Lifter Compressor Tool?

If you want valve adjustment comparison, same as GM GEN V! No adjustment.

You can empty the lifters in a press. Push'm down slowly 4 or 5 times, be gentle & slow, the old oil will be obvious as it leaves the lifter. Use something soft like hardwood or even starboard to set the lifter on while pushing against the cup.

Couple more heads up: If you have pulled the distributor, find an alignment tool to re-align the distributor shaft with the oil pump drive. The other is to make sure you re-torque the cylinder head when the engine is hot/warm as possible. After a gentle water is great & by the time you have the valve cover off, the temp will be perfect!

Good luck & have fun.

 

[Don S]

Re: 470 Lifter Compressor Tool?

If you want valve adjustment comparison, same as GM GEN V! No adjustment.

Obviously you have never adjusted valves on a 470 have you? They are adjustable, but they adjust like a Ford

 

[telstar1]

Re: 470 Lifter Compressor Tool?

Obviously you have never adjusted valves on a 470 have you? They are adjustable, but they adjust like a Ford

Say what?? Quote from OEM manual:"if clearance is not within specs..........install pushrod of correct length....." Adjustable I wouldnt call it that myself.

 

[Don S]

Re: 470 Lifter Compressor Tool?

Say what?? Quote from OEM manual:"if clearance is not within specs..........install pushrod of correct length....." Adjustable I wouldnt call it that myself.

That is how you check and adjust valves on a 470, it sure isn't done like the poster I was replying to. Think about it.

 

[Pete104]

Re: 470 Lifter Compressor Tool?

They ARE adjustable but only because of "push rod" length! The rocker arm bolt is torqued to 20 ft. lbs with oiled threads, with empty tappets! The oil pump does the rest!

 

[Don S]

Re: 470 Lifter Compressor Tool?

They ARE adjustable but only because of "push rod" length! The rocker arm bolt is torqued to 20 ft. lbs with oiled threads, with empty tappets! The oil pump does the rest!

Did you by any chance read the original post? it sure doesn't sound like it. He asked about the tool to check the clearance, not how to bolt it back together. He has the push rods and needs to determine which ones.

Besides, it's also an old post and he actually had the boat out and ran it.

 

[nola mike]

Re: 470 Lifter Compressor Tool?

Yeah, I figgered it out. Just wanted to update in case someone else ran into the same problem and (god forbid) did a search on it.