Ford Falcon. Manual — part 106

303-00-14

Engine System — General Information

303-00-14

GENERAL PROCEDURES (Continued)

4. Measure the Plastigage to get the connecting rod

Connecting Rod — Twist

bearing journal clearance. The Plastigage should

be smooth and flat. A changing width indicates a

1. Measure the connecting rod twist on a suitable

tapered or damaged connecting rod or connecting

alignment fixture. Follow the instructions of the

rod bearing.

fixture manufacturer. Verify the measurement is

within specification.

For additional information, refer to

Specifications in the appropriate section in

For additional information, refer to

Group 303.

Specifications in the appropriate section in

Group 303.

If out of specification, install new components

as necessary. Refer to the appropriate section

If out of specification, install new components

in Group 303 for the procedure.

as necessary. Refer to the appropriate section

in Group 303 for the procedure.

Roller Follower — Inspection

1. Inspect the roller for flat spots or scoring. If any

damage is found, inspect the camshaft lobes and

valve tappet for damage.

Valve Rocker Arm/Lash Adjuster

Assembly — Inspection

1. Inspect the roller for flat spots or scoring, the

valve pad for wear or pitting, and the ball socket

for smooth motion.

Do not disassemble the clip unless replacing

a part of the assembly. The clip must be a

firm fit on the rocker arm, and replaced if

removed.
Replace any parts that show significant wear

Connecting Rod — Bearing Journal

or damage.

Clearance

NOTE: The crankshaft connecting rod journals must

be within specifications to check the connecting rod

bearing journal clearance.

1. Remove the connecting rod bearing cap.
2. Position a piece of Plastigage across the bearing

surface.

Item

Description

1

Valve rocker arm

2

Retaining clip

3

Lash adjuster

Hydraulic Lash Adjuster Diagnosis

3. Install and tighten to specifications, then remove

A suspected faulty lash adjuster can be located by

the connecting rod bearing cap.

removing the cam cover. Check all the rockers for

NOTE: Do not turn the crankshaft during this step. signs of vertical play, or sponginess in the lash

adjuster. Rotate the crankshaft so that all rockers are

checked with the valve closed.
If necessary, operate the engine at idle and try to

locate the noise by ear, or use a piece of thin dowel to

feel the motion of the valve spring retainer. An indent

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303-00-15

Engine System — General Information

303-00-15

GENERAL PROCEDURES (Continued)

will be felt on the valve with the faulty adjuster.

Valve — Inspection

Air bubbles in the lubricating oil, caused by

1. Inspect the following valve areas:

excessively high or low oil level may result in spongy

1. the keeper grooves for burns and wear.

lash adjusters. A leak in the oil pick-up tube, or its

joint to the oil pump may allow air to be drawn into the

2. the valve face and the edge for pits, grooves

lubricating system.

or scores.

3. the valve head for signs of burning, erosion,

Valve — Stem Diameter

warpage and cracking.

1. Measure the diameter of each intake and exhaust

4. the valve head thickness for wear.

valve stem at the points shown. Verify the

diameter is within specification.

For additional information, refer to

Specifications in the appropriate section in

Group 303.
If out of specification, install new components

as necessary. Refer to the appropriate section

in Group 303 for the procedure.

Item

Description

1

End of stem

2

Keeper grooves

3

Valve head

4

Valve head thickness

Valve — Guide Inner Diameter

Valve — Stem to Valve Guide

1. Measure the inner diameter of the valve guides in

Clearance

two directions where indicated.

Check the valve stem to valve guide clearance of

For additional information, refer to

each valve. With the cylinder head gasket face

Specifications in the appropriate section in

uppermost, slide a new inlet or exhaust valve as

Group 303.

appropriate into the guide to be checked until the end

of the stem is flush with the top of the valve guide.
Mount a dial indicator on the cylinder head gasket

face so that the plunger can be positioned on the

edge of the valve head at 90º to the camshaft axis.
With the dial indicator in this position and the end of

the valve stem flush with the top of the guide, move

the valve head from side to side at right angles to the

camshaft axis as far as the clearance will allow and

note the indicator reading.
If the valve head deflection exceeds the specification

for inlet or exhaust valves the guide in question is

worn excessively and should be replaced.

2. If the valve guide is not within specifications,

remove the valve guide and install a new valve

guide.

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303-00-16

Engine System — General Information

303-00-16

GENERAL PROCEDURES (Continued)

Valve — Guide Reaming

Valve — Spring Free Length

1. Use a hand-reaming kit to ream the valve guide.

1. Measure the free length of each valve spring.

For additional information, refer to

Specifications in the appropriate section in

Group 303.
If out of specification, install new components

as necessary. Refer to the appropriate section

in Group 303 for the procedure.

2. Reface the valve seat.
3. Clean the sharp edges left by reaming.

Valve — Spring Installed Length

1. Measure the installed length of each valve spring.

For additional information, refer to

Specifications in the appropriate section in

Valve — Spring Squareness

Group 303.

1. Measure the out-of-square on each valve spring.

If out of specification, install new components.

Turn the valve spring and observe the space

Refer to the appropriate section in Group 303

between the top of the valve spring and the

for the procedure.

square. Install a new valve spring if out of

square. Refer to the appropriate section in

Group 303 for the procedure.

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303-00-17

Engine System — General Information

303-00-17

GENERAL PROCEDURES (Continued)

1. Check the valve head and seat.

Valve — Spring Strength

Check valve angles.

Special Tool(s)

Check margin width.

Valve/Clutch Spring Tester

For additional information, refer to

303-006 (TOOL-6513-DD) or

Specifications in the appropriate section in

equivalent

Group 303.
Be sure margin width is within specification.

1. Use a Valve/Clutch Spring Tester to check the

valve spring for correct strength at the specified

valve spring length.

For additional information, refer to

Specifications in the appropriate section in

Group 303.
If out of specification, install new components

as necessary. Refer to the appropriate section

in Group 303 for the procedure.

2. Inspect for abnormalities on the valve face and

seat.

Valve — Seat Width

1. Measure the valve seat width. If necessary, grind

the valve seat to specification.

Measure the intake valve seat width.
Measure the exhaust valve seat width.
Recheck the valve spring installed length after

the seats have been ground.
For additional information, refer to

Specifications in the appropriate section in

Valve — Seat Inspection

Group 303.

Valve and Seat Refacing Measurements

CAUTION: After grinding valves or valve

seats, check valve clearance.

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