J Motor Valve Adjustment Questions?

Did you turn the cams a couple of revolutions after installing the new shims? This will help seat the new shims down (push out any excess oil) before you take the measurements.

Yes sir, like 4-5 times to make sure. Looks like I need to drop another size.

Well I finally got my valves where I want them. Some on the loose end.

Ex.
1 .14
2 .15
3. .14
4 .10

In.
1. .10
2. .10
3. .10
4. .15

I am thinking some of my shims must have been worn a bit as when I dropped sizes with the new ones I didn't pick up the gains I should have. However I did measure all of the shims with a caliper beforehand. :dry: Oh, well.

Anyhow, next question: Do most of you guys use gasket sealer on the new valve cover gasket?

Those clearances are fine.

Engine case sealer on the cam end plugs where they slide into the U Groove works best IMO. A dab of high temp RTV on top of those plugs will fill in any minor unevenness.

On J model heads, the valve cover gasket is pretty thin. There's a product from 3Bond called 1215 that works great when a light coating is applied to the valve cover gasket on both sides. It seals but keeps the gasket from baking itself to the aluminum surfaces as well. That can make your next valve adjustment go easier because you don't have to scrape gasket material. In fact, if you're careful removing the cam cover, you may not even rip the gasket.

Thanks!