Setting valve lash on a Buick Straight 8 | Redline Update #65

Davin sets the valve lash on our Buick Straight 8 engine project. Then our beautifully painted valve cover get installed.
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[@5tr41ghtGuy]

I am really enjoying this rebuild, for several reasons: * Davin narrates like a normal person (no hype). * Straight 8 engine is unusual. * Everything is clean, and engine parts are beautifully painted. * Top notch camera work & production. Kudos on a great video, and I can't wait to hear this motor pushing a car around!

[@ekscalybur]

Here we witness the Buick Straight 8 marking it's territory.

[@stephenandloriyoung5716]

Hilarious!

[@century66s]

320 cubic inches The Bui

[@robertcullipher3492]

Oil squirts from engine and gives an embarrassing look. Grabs towel, and wipes motor block before anything else. True mechanic!

[@davidmarshall2399]

Sounds like me and the missus. Wait, what?

[@peter2213]

@@davidmarshall2399 ha

[@bruceraykiewicz6274]

Most folks in the automobile hobby today, don't realize that Buicks never had 'flat heads'. As a young man in my early 20s, I was in Angelica, NY, wandering through old buildings and open areas too, that were loaded with old cars, and I was lucky enough to see a 1904 Buick chassis. With a two cylinder engine between the frame sides. One cylinder pointing frontwards, and one cylinder, pointing toward the rear. AND over the top of the engine were REAL LONG exposed push rods. Going toward the two rockers on each head. If I remember right, the cam sprocket, chain, and cam, were ALL exposed! That was a very long time ago(55 yrs), but I never forgot that. Thank you for this wonderful engine rebuild video.

[@Hanzyscure]

Had to manually oil the valvetrain every 10 miles with a squirt can.

[@car-man]

You are a teacher to me. I am a car maintenance person in Korea. I always respect you. Thank you for the wonderful video. I am a car KZbinr just like you. I want to be a cool mechanic like you. Always be healthy

[@paulwest3905]

Been watching this Buick series and just like to thank the whole crew for stellar work. Davin, you are a great frontman, lots of patience and persistence. If you don't have that it is SO easy to get yourself "painted in the corner" on projects, whether cars, kits, hobbies or home projects. I did enjoy a great LOL moment, so thanks for that, need to laugh hard these days. I am very impressed with how smart the old engineers were with internal combustion; the variations are amazing. Not all were great designs, but it makes me proud to call myself American. My Pop ('23 model) could work on any engine, large or small, build a house or addition, lay a sidewalk or plant a garden. I feel like we are losing all those talents that were a natural part of his generation- and that is a real shame. Thanks Davin, for keeping the flame burning on our car heritage and teaching all of us pikers how to work on them. Looking forward to hearing this engine running!

[@busman5429]

Enjoyed the video back when I was 16 started working and being trained in auto machine shop which was 50 years ago..Wow i'm old. The shop was in Gary, Indiana we rebuilt a wide range of motors, plus US30 drag strip folks keep us busy..I really liked the flat head rebuilds that came in the shop, plus i did all the air cooled vw work in the shop. The older guys in the shop had a combined 150 plus years of experience. For me the bset part was all the stories about the motor builds they have done and cars ..I could not get enough of them stories. When they saw how much i enjoyed them , they were happy to tell and share the info. Back then no "you tube" to learn how to build motors. You remind me of my shop forman , Mike and how he would show and explain what to do and why & all the build tricks.a loss art...

[@King_Gtasa]

This engine is getting more beautyfull

[@lawl6374]

Video by video

[@premiereautoengineering9830]

I am running this channel in the midst of many difficulties. Thank you so much for helping me and sending me forward, comrades

[@swanblake]

We need more Dave on this channel. Always learn so much from him

[@bigtony7451]

I’m dying to hear this thing run, the suspense is killing me

[@BobSmith-mc7uq]

Will sound just like a V8. Have heard one running years ago.

[@karroome]

@@BobSmith-mc7uq 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Aren't you a buzz kill

[@irritablearchitect]

@@BobSmith-mc7uq - I somewhat disagree. The straight 8 is far smoother than just about anything out there, and it idles at about 450 rpm.

[@patrickcannell2258]

@@BobSmith-mc7uq N

[@mazevx2451]

@@irritablearchitect how's the ignition timing? Must be different than a typical V8, don't know about the crank separation also. Would like to hear something like this running

[@danielbennion80]

I'm extremely impressed by all the detail of this engine. For its time it would seem to me that Buick really put the research, innovation and workmanship into the production of it to make it a true masterpiece that would put it well ahead of its time.

[@spoofkill4796]

Pure professionalism and humble with amazing attention to detail with a quirky engine.

[@samuellacosta4025]

I really appreciate the good music selection in these videos. Way cooler than knock off store-brand rock and roll song wannabes other car shows play.

[@towrnghrybear]

I'm thrilled to see you are using Royal Purple as I have been using their oils since 1998 I love that it is actually purple. Since newer engines can't handle the Senerlec additive the company removed it except on their racing oils which I continue to use for the Senerlec. I have used Mobil 1 synthetic and then switched to Royal Purple and the change in smoothness was as if I went from regular oil to adding "Slick 50" as I did in the early 1990's. I love this series as I have a 1948 Buick Roadmaster Sedanet with the 320 Straight 8 and Dynaflow transmission. I'd love to hire you to rebuild to this calibur since the Buick was my Great Grandmother's last car. Keep up the GREAT work.....

[@matthewhelton1725]

Sweet Build... I wish my dad were still here on this earth to watch this. He liked the Straight Eights...

[@rogercamp6071]

@@43mackmobile the Oldsmobile was a flathead design whereas the Buick is overhead valve.

[@corporalclegg914]

09:14 - “old” engineering never gets old to me. someone designed that oiling system a very long time ago & it’s awesome to see it work, especially with Royal Purp weeping out of ports

[@thomaswilsonsr.9206]

Nice! Nothing better than when it all comes together. All that hard work, time and effort pays off. Such a wonderfully built machine!

[@mikebaldwin9972]

My Dad had a 50 Buick Super,3 on the tree,when I was learning to drive and I took my license test with IT.Passing the test with flying colors. I loved that old BOAT!!!!!

[@mikedrown2721]

My dad had a '50 Super 2 door hard top with Dynaflo

[@SMOBY44]

Hey Davin! A trick a race mechanic taught me in the late 70's is as follows: Bring #1 up to TDC on the compression stroke and set your lash. On an 8 cylinder engine rotate 90 degrees and set the lash on the next cylinder in the firing order. Continue through the remaining at 90 degree intervals. Makes setting valves a breeze.

[@joe6096]

What a beautiful engine! In those days you could open the hood of a car with a couple of friends and just look at the engine and talk about it for hours.

[@Chiraq312boi]

That stopped in what year you think? I’d say 95.

[@tedhewitt4299]

Looks like it should be in a museum.

[@joealbert7773]

It's not the spring that opens the thermostat, it's the wax pellet in the "bulb" on the thermostat. The wax expands at temperature opening the thermostat.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

If ya pop out a stuck thermostat to get you home , cut the guts off and put the disc back in to control flow properly. Haha yea how it's made had a vid on how thermostats are made, it's pretty good. Like a hydraulic ram , a little coat of oil (or wax in a thermostat) is on the shaft every time it travels. so over a long period of time your fluid levels go low. Same in a stat with the wax , but lose enough wax and it doesn't open properly.

[@robpeberdy5402]

Exactly!

[@fwaynedavis]

Yes Joe you are correct! It is a cool piece of tech that wax!

[@bluejayfabrications2216]

Well There you go I thought that the spring was made from a temperature sensitive steel that had a memory

[@jasonhayes9776]

I believe the thermostat is opened by the wax pellet, not the spring. As the wax goes from solid to liquid as it gets hotter, and from liquid to solid as it cools, it's volume changes enough to open and close the thermostat. ( I could be wrong though)

[@quirinonavarro1857]

Your affirmation is correct, the thermostat opens because of the wax pellet expands with the increase in water temperature. The spring itself, its calibrated in pressure to relieve the valve open and close it when te temperature is within the window of working calibration...

[@geoffmooregm]

Great to see progress. Just a word on the thermostat. The spring does not change tension and open the thermostat. The spring is a return spring. What opens the thermostat is encased in the copper cylinder. It is a high expansion wax. When it gets hot it expands and pushes on the piston which opens the thermostat. When it cools it contracts and the spring keeps the thermostat shut.

[@bobbyb9718]

Anyone remember Rainman talking about the Fireball 8 in his dad’s car? 😂 I’m looking forward to hearing this run, Davin!😊

[@brokenbonegarage8910]

Did the exact same thing last week trying to prime my big block Squirted all over me. Thanks Davin for makin me feel better LOL

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Haha been there too. Ya havent built enough engines if that hasn't happened. It tried to pee on him and tell him it was raining 🤣

[@madfzr]

That water pump contraption ! Extra gaskets , sneaker tools and good times to service/maintain when everything else is installed. Beautiful motor

[@wk3818]

So much better to watch this than those half hour commercials on TV with a little car stuff thrown in.

[@danieledwards1081]

In relation to setting the valve preload, I was taught many years ago to always rotate the engine to tdc on the compression stroke for whichever cylinder you're on, that way you know both valves are fully closed and able to be set together. Always interesting seeing different methods other people use

[@donroy53]

I was taught to use the companion cylinders method, say on a 4 cyl, you turn it over and watch cyl #4, just as the exhaust valve closes and the intake starts to open, you stop, then you can adjust BOTH valves on cyl #1, then you watch cyl #1 to do cyl #4, ETC., you can find companion cylinders on any engine by splitting the firing order and putting them on top of each other, on a SBC 1-8-4-3 goes above 6-5-7-2, so the companion cyls are 1-6, 8-5, 4-7, 3-2, watch one to do the other, I have used this system for 40 years, works great and easy to do

[@danielyazbek9910]

What a gorgeous engine, cant wait this beast roar !!

[@rustang6869]

8:01 Looks like you're running a quart low there, Davin. Literally....lol. Keep up the good work, love these vids. I can't wait to hear this thing run. It so cool to see engines that are less popular in today's hot-rodding being rebuilt. Another engine I wish you would consider doing in this series in the future, is an MEL (Mercury Edsel Lincoln) V8 like what they used in the Edsel Citation and Lincoln Continentals in late 50's early 60's, or even an old Y-block from a 50's T-Bird. You just never see those being looked at in-depth.

[@HepcatHarley]

Lovely. The motor in my '58 Buick was a V8 "Fireball" 364ci Looks like the same enamel colour too :)

[@christianblankenship7683]

You really did a great job on this engine build and a great job on explaining every step. Well done!

[@GW-nu8hc]

Excellent video and class on adjusting the valve lash on this great old straight 8. Really enjoyed it!!

[@GmKcorp]

Great work. That straight 8 is going to run beautiful.

[@lochnessfox3441]

Omg that oil line was priceless! I laughed out loud hard! Love the channel buddy

[@Giffey_]

Love the way he explains things. He looks straight into the camera and makes sure you understand even without the feedback of his viewers being there in person. I would love to work for Hagerty’s one day. Awesome content!

[@sillyfecker]

Not so sure about his explanation on how a thermostat works though!

[@scripter2510]

Davin you're such a hard worker man ily 💓

[@WilliamDye-willdye]

A see-through valve cover and removed hood would be a horrible violation of the 1950's authenticity, but part of me still wants it. Imagine watching the valves in action on a running straight-8 engine.

[@century66s]

1991, I was to do this on the big block straight eight, Buick 66s... but the block was beyond repair. Did get the head done, all 250+lbs...

[@pablorikemberg2285]

I couldn't resist and for the second time I'm looking at this chapter. how I loved the engineer of this particular engine ... thank you very much for the video 👌 Big hug from Neuquén Argentina 😎👍

[@loboheeler]

I remember the usual way of setting valves on an inline engine was in the compression stroke. You could find this by looking at the opposite end cylinder rockers when they were going from exhaust closing to intake opening. There is an overlap, where the valves would be both partially open for a short period. To set both #1 valves (4 cylinder example) look at #4, to set #2 look at #3, etc. This works on 4 and 6 cylinder inlines, but not sure on an 8 cylinder.

[@ellieprice3396]

My brother in law bought a brand new 1951 Buick Special with the "Fireball" eight and Dynaflow transmission. Stepping on the accelerator produced a lot of engine noise and transmission whine. I believe this transmission was a two-stage turbine with no internal gears.

[@frankbiz]

👍🏻 Awesome job, really enjoy you working on that engine, it is almost as old as me. Lol. That surly is a "monster of a machine". Can't wait to see you finalize it and fire it up.

[@erichildreth7562]

Cannot wait to hear this motor run! The motor looks great!!

[@joaopedroV.E.B]

looking forward to the first run!

[@belyear]

Lovely paint/decals on the valve cover.

[@lordmetal3842]

great build series. i love this show and David and is great at what he does .tho this build seems to be taking alot longer than any other i would assume that is because of parts and kits needed for such an engine are hard to come by .we may get to hear and see it run by christmas..thanks for making these videos David there awesome.

[@guilhermebrugge4007]

Fantastic! Piece by piece, it takes shape.. Congratulations for your work!

[@rjdgreek]

Best rebuild yet!

[@CALVINLNIKONT]

The outtake was just way too funny!

[@asarand]

This is the first straight-8 I have actually ever seen. I have never heard one run. I am looking forward to hearing it start for the first time, and also to seeing what car you will be putting it in.

[@jamesdiehl8690]

It's finally starting to look like a running working machine instead of a do "I really want to tackle this" project. Great job as always. Let's hear that beast purrrrrr!!!!!

[@joefair3391]

That is one pretty engine. Have enjoyed watching these.

[@cc9z]

i wished i knew just what you forgot your a expert in your field

[@VinnyMartello]

Can’t wait to hear this thing run.

[@vettekid3326]

My dad always would trade up for a car that was two or three years old so in 1958 he traded in our 1953 Buick with the straight eight for a 1956 Dodge Sierra wagon with the Red Ram hemi in it. he kept that until 1964 and then traded for a 1961 Plymouth Belvedere with the slant 6. I remember he always complained about the gas mileage with that Dodge and how the Buick ran so much smoother.

[@1crazynordlander]

12:56 The spring on the thermostat only keeps it closed. There is bees wax in the center brass part that expands with heat and pushes against spring pressure to open the thermostat. When it cools the spring over comes the pressure the center brass part with the beeswax in it to close the thermostat.

[@TheDutyPaid]

Can't wait to hear that one run.

[@ShogunMura]

That clip is gold! Many times Ive made that look when something like that happens!

[@rodneyross5282]

I love the sound of this engine. I an faithfully watching and waiting for you to resurrect old memories of the good old days.

[@jamesguckenberger5692]

looking better and better, cant wait to see it all together!

[@bradfordrick1]

Always exciting to watch an expert in action. An expert at squirting himself with oil, that is. What a doofus, we love ya.

[@andrewmoss8909]

Tin is gorgeous!

[@isalmankhan1]

Thanks for sharing Davin👍 Love it👍

[@sidneycashion7817]

My brother has a 51 straight 8 and he's always saying they didn't need that many parts . Good work you're doing here. Happy Thanksgiving.

[@ericjohnson8482]

Knowing the firing order you could saved a LOT of time by setting the lash by putting it on firing cylinder 1 and then cylinder 8 and done. You also HAVE to check to make sure the oil groove on the ball stud is at least half way down in the rocker arm or you won't get oil from the rocker arm passage. Not sure if the lifter manufacturer said half a turn or who but Buick said 2 turns.

[@deamoneater357]

Man, I can't wait to see it running!

[@blkdna748]

So here hydraulic valve lifter also need to set lash due to plenty of components. And the preloading will be seat after hours of idle. I think that's right?? You are master to me🙏. Lot more to learn from redline.

[@masscomnet]

Really enjoying this build. Thanks!

[@drubradley8821]

On the rocker arms main tube, a pair of machined plugs with O-rings and a cross drilled hole that lines up with the hole on the tube's cotter pin to keep the oil filling the entire tube, as the cotter pins keep the plugs locked in place, so all the rockers get oil and not just the ones that offer the path of least resistance. The rear plug can have a hole 1/32" to 1/16" as a slow drain for when the engine is not running and the oil can drain on back into the pan... If you wish, I believe I still have the drawings and dimensions of the front and rear plugs (imperial dim's) if so desired, not that it requires a a whole lot of brains to figure out the design for the rocker arm tube plugs... Side note. be sure to drill and tap a threaded blind hole in the side of the plug towards the outside, so in case you desire to remove them, you can simply thread in a 10/32" or a 1/4" (what ever size you made) and pull the plugs out, or for future cleaning...

[@rlo2367]

That water pump looks like a turbo. Beautiful motor coming back together.👏🏻

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Haha I love some of the stuff that gets people confused, but some guidelines will help to make it simple. 1: Remember that 99% of engines rotate clockwise as viewed from the pulley(accessory) end of the engine. (Hondas and 2 stroke Detroits don't count you're on your own) That's when you're standing at the radiator with the hood popped and looking down at the front of the engine. The crank pulley will be going clockwise (like I said ,most engines). 2: Cams run at half crank speed. 3: Know your running mates. 1342 for a 4 cyl is the firing order (usually). So 1-4 ,2-3 are running mates. Set #1 on valve overlap and you can set #4 valves. Set #2 on overlap and you can set #3. If ya cant see the pattern there ,welp set the wrenches down and find someone else to finish it. Typical v8 during order 18436572 So, 1843 6572 1-6,8-5,4-7,3-2 those are the running mates. Set 1 on overlap, set #6 valves. If you know the lash needed ,you can set the valves on most any engine with the overlap method. Some exceptions also for crazy race cams, it might not work the greatest. But for most, it's easy. Learn your running mates , learn crank rotation, know which valves you're adjusting (int/exh) and you're just about unstoppable.

[@dmw1262]

Cool music! Who/what is it? I love this project!

[@meowerstationone3793]

I agree! Loved the music and the project.

[@lmjohnst1]

Cant wait to hear this thing run!!

[@raynyhus2026]

It seems the no matter where the leak is it'll get in that same spot. Love the series, and like to get mi hands of a Buick or pontiac straight -8.

[@cnyreview3632]

Your videos are the best!

[@jmwingert]

I can watch these videos forever. I love the content! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@paulstan9828]

Boy does that look nice.

[@fireblaster5181]

Can’t wait to see it run

[@kenhorne5650]

My sisters rambler had a straight 8. Took forever to build up speed up hills where I lived in San Francisco.

[@donaldk.macbaird5248]

I looked online could not find any American Motors straight 8 engines ,all I could find was Buick and Pontiac

[@masscomnet]

"That's interesting that it squirts there." LOL

[@Dfanch]

That block is beautiful! Excited to see it running👍

[@jeffplant3]

Awesome video! Well done. Well explained! Look forward to the fire up!

[@bennetfox]

You're killing me over here! I can't wait to hear this engine run!

[@calvinwhitewolfjr2384]

A straight eight is an amazing machines. It was lost now it's found that's amazing

[@Julian-lq1vb]

NICE JOB DAVID 👍

[@romainDbois]

wow this is more complicated than usual ! thanks Buick...

[@klaasbloem]

What a beauty David, can't wait to dee her running!

[@dalgguitars]

Gosh. Davin is just so appealing as a KZbinr.

[@ronlynch7744]

Love that valve cover, too cool.

[@rogjackson]

Excellent content!! Step by step progress.

[@pandvsims]

Looking forward with great anticipation to hearing this engine run!

[@makebelieveballroom]

If I remember correctly, there was a choke fitting in the oil filter supply line to limit the amount of oil going through the filter.

[@maldo72]

cant wait to see this thing start

[@Veryfastslowcar66]

I could stare at that thing all day

[@jasondk5127]

Great lunch time video.😄 It's 12:30 back to work!😏

[@lykinsmotorsports]

Thank you for showing guys the EVO method.....