Mountaineer V8-302 5.0L VIN P EFI (1998)
Valve Clearance: Testing and Inspection
NOTE: A 1.52 mm (0.60 in) shorter push rod or 1.52 mm longer push rod is available for service to provide a means of compensating for dimensional
changes in the valve mechanism.
Valve stem to valve rocker arm clearance should be within specification with the hydraulic valve tappet completely collapsed. Repeated valve
reconditioning operations (valve and/or valve seat refacing) will decrease the clearance to the point that if it is not compensated for, the hydraulic valve
tappet will cease to function and the valve will be held open.
The positive stop rocker arm bolts eliminate the necessity to adjust the valve clearance. However, to obtain the specified valve clearance, it is important
that all valve components be in a serviceable condition and installed and tightened properly.
To determine whether a shorter or a longer push rod is necessary, make the following check.
1. Disconnect the red and blue leads (S-Terminal) at the starter relay.
2. Install an auxiliary starter switch between the battery and S-Terminals of the starter relay. Crank the engine with the ignition switch in the OFF
position until the No. 1 piston is on TDC on the compression stroke.
3. With the crankshaft in the positions designated in Steps 4, 5 and 6, position Tappet Bleed Down Wrench on the rocker arm.
Slowly apply pressure to bleed down the valve tappet until the plunger is completely bottomed. Hold the valve tappet in this position and check the
available clearance between the rocker arm and the valve stem tip with a feeler gauge.
If the clearance is less than specification, install a shorter push rod. If the clearance is greater than specification, install a longer push rod.
