Before the implementation of hydraulic lifters to keep the engine's valves in proper working order, regular adjustment was required to maintain the critically necessary clearance in the valvetrain.

A clear walkthrough of how to set valve lash on a diesel engine, covering measurements, adjustments, and proper sequencing.

Last month's "How It Works" story gave you the basics of the four-stroke cycle, describing the motion of the intake and exhaust valves in relation to the piston moving up and down in the cylinder.

It is incomplete to even talk about degreeing a camshaft without discussing piston-to-valve clearance. It's like learning how to drive but never being taught how to use the brakes. Learning how to ...