Checking valve stem length on Cadillac 346

[z3skybolt]

The shop manual specifies a Tool #J-105 for checking the valve stem length when installing new valves and lifters. It also describes a procedure for establishing proper length by measuring the clearance between the valve stem and top of plunger as being between .030 and.070 of an inch: with no oil in the hydraulic unit and with the plunger and spring fully depressed.

If tool J-105 is not available is there another acceptable way or tool that can be used to accomplish the same determination? Can one make a tool or just use the measurement between the valve stem and plunger as an alternate method?

Is is reasonable to change the lifers with the engine in the car? My car is a 1940 LaSalle.

Last of all...anyone have the tool J-105 that they would rent for a couple of weeks? I'd be glad to make a security deposit and pay a fair rental fee.

I live in Missouri.

Thanks,

bob

[Bobby B]

Bob,
  Hi. Your valves have to be set up with exactly 3" of space between the stem tip and the heel of your cam lobe and you should be good to go. I think the tool is nothing but a 3" spacer. Use a 3" micrometer standard for double checking if need be. If you're asking questions about this now, it's a little late. If your machinist didn't do this as part of the valve job, the engine's basically going to have to come apart again. If you suspect the lifters being bad, they should actually be tested individually, out of the engine. The .030-.070 is basically your range for valve seat/tip wear. Please tell me that this isn't the engine you sent me a video of that took forever to build...... If it is, what happened? 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bobby

[z3skybolt]

Bobby,

I sent you a private message.

bob

[Steve Passmore]

I made a tool myself Bob by cutting the head off an old valve, machining it to exactly 3" and welding a 12" steel rod to it in it' centre making a long 'T' handle basically. Easy.

[z3skybolt]

Thanks Steve,

From the picture in the manual it looked to be simple.  Will do something similar.

Bob

[Barry M Wheeler #2189]

This tool was commonly known among mechanics as "The Three Inch Tool."

[Bobby B]

This tool was commonly known among mechanics as "The Three Inch Tool."

           Bobby