144 adjustable valves?

[Anonymous]

Are the valves/rockers on the 144 adjustable? Mine is ticking a little and it sounds like rockers out of adjustment. I know they are shaft mounted rockers so I have a feeling they are like the stock FE rockers an non-adjustable. I'll probably pull the valve cover today or tomorrow and see for myself, but maybe someone here can tell me ahead of time.

 

[WhitePony]

I'm pretty sure that the 144 has solid lifters and an adjustable rocker assembly.

 

[LameHoof65]

The definitive,,,,from the "FordSix Performance Handbook....and I quote "144 ci and early 170 engines used solid lifters and had adjustable rocker arms." pg. 7

Best 14 bucks I ever spent....Thanx Dave and Dennis,

furthermore and I quote "You cannot retrofit hydraulic lifters into a 144/early 170 block. The 144/early 170 engines MUST use solid lifters. These early blocks are not plumbed to supply oil to hydraulic lifters. During the 1964 model year all engines were fitted with hydraulic lifters."

The only time I can be definitive and act like I know what I am talking about is when I have that great book in my hand....If you don't have it...get it...even if it means cutting back on that saturday afternoon beer during the game.

 

[Anonymous]

What lash should the rockers/valves be set to on a '63 144 Falcon engine?

 

[LameHoof65]

Now that I don't know but here is a place that can give you some idea I think.

http://cquesttechnologies.com/fspp/ValveAdjust.asp

It's for hydraulics only, but I would imagine the adjustment would be similar...Just enough that you can turn with your fingers then a 1/2 or so turn more, I believe. But don't quote me, wait for others who have adjusted them to respond.

I just went through all my manuals: the Chilton's '64 through 73 Mustang/Cougar repair manual and my '65 Comet, Falcon, Fairlane and Mustang Shop manual---of course neither mention the 144 and only in passing mention the 170...But from what I gathered 1/2 turn past end-play is probably too much...since the solid lifters don't have any give--I would probably start out with no more than 1/8 of a turn after end-play and....but again---I don't have solid lifters and have never adjusted for them. Give Dennis or Dave a pm and I am sure they can advise you---if you don't get a firm answer here from Jack or someone.

 

[Anonymous]

Solid lifters need a gap between the lifter and valve tip (called lash). This gap is typically .008"-.015". Without this gap the cam lobes will be wiped out in short order. Adjusting a hydraulic cam is nothing at all like adjusting a solid cam.

I could probably adjust the lash to .012" and be alright, but I'd rather know what Ford wants it at if this in fact has a solid cam and lifters (will check that when I get the valve cover off). I'd rather not run too little or too much lash and end up having to put a new cam and lifters in the engine.

 

[Darren]

.016

I set mine at .017 just for the hell of it.