I did and I still can't push it down far enough

 

did you get the cam in the right position.... sounds like it might be hitting the piston, in which case the valve is ruined now

 

yes. I the cam is in the right position. I don't feel a definite hit when I push down, It feels like it is just really hard to push.

 

well it came off some how. i haven't done it before, so i don't know what to tell you

 

I've seen it happen before... usually means something's wrong... but you can put it right back on. Dunno what else to tell ya other than "keep pushing"

 

You have to find out why it came off in the first place. Try backing off the adjustment screw all the way. Check the retaining spring etc. Like Nismo said have the lobe up but have the adjacent valve lobe down so you know the piston is at the bottom of the stroke or you will bend the valve.

 

I GOT IT!

Finally I got it back on. I took the rocker arm off its seat and put the lash pad on with the grove facing the right way and pushed the rocker arm under the cam while pushing down the valve. My thumbs are very sore but I am really glad to be literally firing on all cylinders.

The previous owner said that after he got the head remachined he didn't know if they adjusted the valves. Could that be the problem? Thanks everyone for the advise I would be in a really tough place with out you guys.

 

Was there a lot of clacking coming from the valve cover? You can check the clearances yourself actually...

 

nope no clacking at all.

I don't have a micrometer and I just feel like it would be one of the rare things that would be worth it to me to spend the money to have it professionally done.

 

No micrometer needed... just feeler gauges. They cost like $7.

 

ok. I might have to do that. is the clearance universal or is there a certain spec for the l26?

 

The specs are in your FSM.

 

sounds good. Thanks I will let you know how it goes.

 

ALL the clearances are really tight. (.00015)

The previous owner "got a lifter tick" taken care of could they have tightened the clearances to "fix" the problem? Will putting them back to stock specs make them tick? Am I gonna have to use high octane gas?

 

After adjusting the clearances for a cold engine, I have a very different sound. Is it ticking? is this a normal sound?

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sounds a bit noisey but datsun engines arent very quiet also those "cone" filters you got there look way way small... i'd take them off. you sure you adjusted them right because you use the feeler guages until they are tight like you can still slide them but you have some friction its a little resistant to sliding not slides smooth or tight where the guages bend just enough so you actually have to try to slide them

 

ya, I adjusted them the way you explained(the next size up gauge does not fit but the correct gauge fits with some friction)

I have had the "cone K&N" filters on there for a while (gym socks were on there before but that is a different topic) and they have been working fine.

 

#1... a before & after clip would have helped us in the sound department.

#2... did you re-adjust for hot specs?

#3... when adjusting hot, you've got about 10 minutes before they cool down too much. I've found that loosening them all at first gives you more adjusting time.

 

Yes. It was ticking. On all lifters to be exact. I realized that I had adjusted the clearances for mm in inches. It took the better part of a day to decide whether or not to let you guys know that's what happened.

Thanks for the help.

 

geese. did it mess anything up?

 

nope. she runs like a champ now.

I also had to put the valve cover gasket on the right way as the last owner put it on upside down. It seals better right side up; if you were considering putting yours on upside down.

 

lol mine won't go on upside down. but that's good to hear that it's still working just fine.

 

Yup. all that is left is to start shaking hands and kissing babies so I can win coolest car at my high school.

O ya and patch the rust hole on the rocker panel, paint the hood. get new rotors, struts... But he she's running!

 

Wahoo!!!!

 

lol at the high school pissing competition. i remember those days. complete waste of ****ing time. you'll NEVER get that goal reached theres to many views and opinions. only way to make sure you have the "best" car at a high school is to drive a high class sporty mercedes, porsche, ferrari, or lambo. at least where i came from thats what took the cake. no how to make sure you get ALOT of attention in highschool though based on the vehicle you own. get a crotch rocket. highschool kids love that ****. i was on my bike after i got out of class rolled down the street my HS was on they just happened to get out of class just then so i got freakin stalked by all the kiddies and **** everyone goin OMG nice bike and **** and people wanting me to rev it up. i was like celebrity. so at the stop sign i turned around gave them a rev then flicked em all off and drove away in a furry of crotch rocket goodness! lol those greedy bastards. lol its the same as when i did go to school there though my two buddies had crotch rockets actually their older bro's did and they just rode em to school a couple times and would get so much attention. know why. cause bikes are sexy everyone knows it and no one in highschool can convince their parents to and during HS everyone is still under their rule.