1963 4000 diesel valve clearance

Stephen Ford · Aug 21, 2009

Well the tractor is now going back together but before I button up the valve cover and install the fuel tank I want to set my valve clearance. Since nobody in my vicinity has a shop manual in stock I was hoping someone here would have the specs. I searced the resources on this web site but only found gas specifications.
Readers Digest version, what are the valve clearance specs for a 1963 Ford 4000 4cyl diesel tractor? Thanks for the help.
Steve Ford

awhtx · Aug 22, 2009

.014-.016

john_Bud · Aug 22, 2009

.014-.016 is correct -->HOT.

I set them to .017 --> cold and they are very close when hot.

Remember to run it for an hour to heat it up good, then torque down the head again and set the valves.

Do you need any help with setting the injection pump up or bleeding it out? I seem to recall that the 4cyl diesel's when static timed by the timing gears are out 180 degrees from the compression stroke on the #1 cylinder (next to rad). Do check the actual valve motions to determine the correct position. The correct timing is 23 degrees BTDC - the older manuals list 17.

good luck - and don't "cheat" with ether and blow out your fresh engine's ring lands!

jb

Stephen Ford · Aug 22, 2009

Thanks for the help guys. John_Bud, I did not rebuild the engine. I posted my troubles in another post but long story short I had little compression in #3 cylinder so I began to tear the engine down to determine the problem when I removed the intake manifold I found a shop rag stuck in the #3 intake port. Removed the rag and problem is fixed.
You bring up an interesting point about the injection pump though. When I first starting checking the basics the injector pump is timed at 17 btdc. When I reinstall the pump is the correct setting 23 btdc?

john_Bud · Aug 24, 2009

(quoted from post at 09:50:15 08/22/09) Thanks for the help guys. John_Bud, I did not rebuild the engine. I posted my troubles in another post but long story short I had little compression in #3 cylinder so I began to tear the engine down to determine the problem when I removed the intake manifold I found a shop rag stuck in the #3 intake port. Removed the rag and problem is fixed.
You bring up an interesting point about the injection pump though. When I first starting checking the basics the injector pump is timed at 17 btdc. When I reinstall the pump is the correct setting 23 btdc?

Ha ha! a rag in the intake port! Must have sucked one in when running w/o a filter or left a wipe out rag in the filter housing- it's odd ball things that keep you on your toes. Sounds like a good thing to find, if a bad thing to occur. Was that from a prior owner or dare I ask?

Yes, the original timing was 17-18 BTDC, but around 60-61 ford increased that to 23 degrees. They run noticeably better and start easier too.

jb

Stephen Ford · Aug 24, 2009

Yeah, a rag. But the good news is it was not me that did the deed. I bought the tractor in this condition fearing it will need a engine overhaul and for once I get a lucky break. But then again I have not started it up yet, waiting on a lifter cover gasket.
I wish I took a picture of the rag when I found it but I was so excited that I just yanked it out. Anyways, thanks again for the help.
Steve Ford

1963 4000 diesel valve clearance

Stephen Ford

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awhtx

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Stephen Ford

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