Classic/Antique Car Repair/tappet adjustment

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Expert: - 4/4/2011


Question
Hi Brad,Iam just about to check my tappet clearance(engine running) and wondered if you know the best method of preventing engine oil from spraying all over the engine.thanks (1956 t bird 312)

Answer
I have never found a solution to this problem hat did not have their own problems. However a folded towel has worked best, but it gets soaked and begins to drip as well as gets hot. One tech in the shop that I worked in during the late 50's took a pair of valve covers and used a hole saw to cut holes over the adjustment screws and the valve tips. This did a fair job of controlling the oil splash.  

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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