Classic/Antique Car Repair: Bel Air Engine Valve Regulation, hydraulic valve lifters, chevrolet 6

Question
Hi:

i want to know the valve regulation of a 56 Belair engine (GM Inline 6 Engine), this is a measure of pressing the screws of the valve with the valve cam and i know that is in Inches or Millimeters.

Can you help me?

Answer
Yes.   First, I'd like you to know that the right name for this measurment is "valve clearance", and it means the open space between the two parts.

In 1956, the Chevrolet 6 cylinder engine had Hydraulic valve lifters, so there is zero clearance.

If you are putting together an engine that has been apart, set each valve clearance to zero with the camshaft on the low spot, then turn the adjustment screw an additional 1.5 turns in the tightening direction.  This will be the right adjustment.

Since you are asking about an engine with adjustable tappets, I think you may have a 1955 engine (if someone has mixed them up), I'll also tell you the valve clearance for a 1955 Engine with manual transmission.  That clearance is 0.013" for the exhaust valves (engine hot) and 0.006" for the intake valves (engine hot).  For a 1955 engine with automatic transmission, the instructions are the same as for the 1956 engine.

I hope I have answered the right question, but if I have not, use the "follow up" method to ask me to try again.

Dick