smitty316 24 #1 Posted August 1, 2011 Since I had the carb off of my M14 I decided to check the lifter adjustments. The exhaust lifter was at .016. The specks call for .017 - .019 . I reset it to .017 and now there is a tapping noise. My question, is it better to be at the correct spec. and a little noisy or slightly under speck and quiet. I know a tight exhaust lifter is subject to overheating and burning.. Any thoughts? Smitty Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 16,333 #2 Posted August 1, 2011 I would go with "in spec" and noisy, rather than tight and quiet. I trust the Kohler engineers to know what is best for their engines. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Docwheelhorse 2,740 #3 Posted August 1, 2011 Valve lifters don't "tighten" up over time... I would of left it @ 016 and I guess I would put it back there. A thousandth of an inch isn't going to affect it and I bet its been running on the tight end of spec for along time. The valve lifter crashing into the valve and making the ticking can't be good for it either.... Tony Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sorekiwi 761 #4 Posted August 2, 2011 Valve lifters don't "tighten" up over time... I agree that valve lifters dont tighten up, but the valve seats in the head and on the valves do wear over time, causing the valve clearance to get tight. But I also agree that a .001" difference in clearance isnt going to cause problems. The cars I work on every day have valve clearances of .002" on the intakes and .004" on the exhausts. I am always amazed ( and disgusted!!) how .001" can quieten them down, but on our (air cooled) Kohlers I dont think that applies. Now you've adjusted it and know that it is within spec, I'd leave it alone. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
