BigRed2004
Well-Known Member
@whtbronco, here is a link to the video using the straw trick on to find TDC and prevent valve drop.
Timing set and a startup anomaly question
- Thread starter whtbronco
- Start date
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whtbronco
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Thank you @BigRed2004. I happened to see that video and a few others yesterday evening, but every one of them was related to the 4.6. While similar the 5.4 has a taller deck height meaning that the valve could drop . That might be too far, I dunno.
Here's some of the differences between the 4.6 and 5.4 I found. If I am reading this correctly, and I'm not sure I am, the 5.4 will have .25" more distance between the head and the piston. The videos reported about .5" drop in the valves on the 4.6 engine, so the valves in the 5.4 could possibly drop about .75" before reaching the piston at TDC.
4.6 bore/stroke 3.55/3.54 deck height 8.937
Difference of .63 stroke
5.4 bore/stroke 3.55/4.17 deck height 10.079
Difference of 1.142 deck height
Here's some of the differences between the 4.6 and 5.4 I found. If I am reading this correctly, and I'm not sure I am, the 5.4 will have .25" more distance between the head and the piston. The videos reported about .5" drop in the valves on the 4.6 engine, so the valves in the 5.4 could possibly drop about .75" before reaching the piston at TDC.
4.6 bore/stroke 3.55/3.54 deck height 8.937
Difference of .63 stroke
5.4 bore/stroke 3.55/4.17 deck height 10.079
Difference of 1.142 deck height
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BigRed2004
Well-Known Member
Your average valve length is 4.6” so you would be fine based on the math. But I can understand if you are concerned and want to find a different method. Just wanted to give you an option. Let us know what you go with and how well it worked.
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whtbronco
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I had an idea. See what ya think.
If I compress the spring I can push the valve down if it doesn't just drop. It should rest on the piston before the spring is fully compressed if this method will work. If it doesn't touch the piston and spring is compressed then it's a no go. I have a flexible hose style adapter for my air compressor if needed. It might work.
I ordered 2 spring compressors. Both similar in design, 1 has a roll pin to hold it together, the other is a 2 piece design. Here's a pic of the 1 with a roll pin.
If I compress the spring I can push the valve down if it doesn't just drop. It should rest on the piston before the spring is fully compressed if this method will work. If it doesn't touch the piston and spring is compressed then it's a no go. I have a flexible hose style adapter for my air compressor if needed. It might work.
I ordered 2 spring compressors. Both similar in design, 1 has a roll pin to hold it together, the other is a 2 piece design. Here's a pic of the 1 with a roll pin.
BigRed2004
Well-Known Member
That method could work, because you should see the valve and keeper sticking up as the spring continues to compress. So it is a safe way to test the theory before moving forward.
The thing that is nice about that tool you have pictured is that you can do this job without worrying about removing any of the CAM caps.
The thing that is nice about that tool you have pictured is that you can do this job without worrying about removing any of the CAM caps.
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whtbronco
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BigRed2004
Well-Known Member
Have you had a chance to perform the job? Curious to know your experience with either tool.
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whtbronco
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I have not. Parts and tools are on order. Most have arrived. I'm waiting on valve cover gaskets and the crankshaft sprocket.
Due to my health issues I suspect it'll take me 2-3 weeks to complete this task though.
I was also informed yesterday that my daughter may be returning from deployment 7 months early so I have to get her car ready to go. The next 2 weekends will be spent on that. PCV, valve seals, cv axle, upper strut mount, remove and clean intake manifold and secure the urethane strips on the roof.
Due to my health issues I suspect it'll take me 2-3 weeks to complete this task though.
I was also informed yesterday that my daughter may be returning from deployment 7 months early so I have to get her car ready to go. The next 2 weekends will be spent on that. PCV, valve seals, cv axle, upper strut mount, remove and clean intake manifold and secure the urethane strips on the roof.
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BigRed2004
Well-Known Member
You definitely have a busy schedule ahead of you. Best of luck to you with all of that, hopefully repairs go smooth. Hope the health issues don’t get worse or hinder you too much.
