Questions and Answers

Ford Ranger HLA Adjustment Q. Hello again Vincent, I have a 1986 Ford Ranger, 2.9 liter V-6 and 170,000 miles. I just rebuilt the motor and the valve rocker arms are tapping very loudly. Oil is full, I installed an oil pressure gauge and it shows I have pressure. This motor has self adjusting valves, but there is an adjustment on the rockers. When I had the heads rebuilt they said just set valve slack and then I would be good to go.

I looked up the procedure, but I wasn't sure if I did it right. Do you have any tips or suggestions to ensure that the slack is set right?

Thanks again,
Rob

A. Ford issued a new valve adjustment procedure. Here it is:

V6-177 Engine

1. Position cams so that tappets are in the base circle area on cylinder to be adjusted.
2. Loosen adjusting screws until a distinct lash between roller arm pad and valve tip end can be noticed. Tappet plunger should now be fully extended.
3. Screw in adjustment screws until roller arms slightly touch valves.
4. Screw in adjustment screw an additional 1½ turns (equivalent to .070 inch plunger travel into lifter) to achieve normal operating position.

Valve Arrangement - Front to Rear
V-6-171 Right Bank	I-E-I-E-E-I
V-6-171 Left Bank	I-E-E-I-E-I
V-6-177 Right Bank	E-I-E-I-E-I
V-6-177 Left Bank	I-E-I-E-I-E
V-6-183, 232 Left Bank	I-E-I-E-I-E
V-6-183, 232 Right Bank	E-I-E-I-E-I
V-6-232 Right	I-E-I-E-I-E
V-6-232 Left	E-I-E-I-E-I