[SEL] Valve adjustments

[Elden DuRand]

Bill:

I can get my Fairbanks-Morse ZC-52 engine (automatic intake valve) to idle at it's best by adjusting the exhaust valve lash to fine-tune it.  Adjusting the lash has a slight effect on the valve timing.  

That's after all the fuel mixer and ignition timing tweaks are done.

Ignition: Timed for just a tad after TDC for idle, changeable to about 20 degrees BTDC for 500 RPM.

Ignition device: Home-manufactured solid-state.

Intake valve spring strength: Stock spring, tweaked for best operation.

Mixer choke: Spring tension adjusted with needle valve for best operation at both low and high speeds.

Take care - Elden
http://www.oldengine.org/members/durand 

> -----Original Message-----
> From: sel-bounces at lists.stationary-engine.com
> [mailto:sel-bounces at lists.stationary-engine.com]On
>  Behalf Of William
> Young
> Sent: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 07:51 AM
> To: The SEL email discussion list
> Subject: Re: [SEL] Valve adjustments
> 
.........................................snip.......................
> Can you 
> tell me what  optimum remaining setting I seek to 
> achieve these parameters:  Long engine life;  
> smooth engine running at lower speeds;  lower 
> operating temperature under "no load" condition?
> P.S.  I'm willing to start all over again should 
> you come up with something better  -- no cam 
> grinding, please.  Thanks,  Bill