valvetrain · FF-0081

How are adjustable lifters held while you adjust Ford Flathead valves?

New-style lifters have a hole, so an Allen wrench through the drilled gallery hole holds them. The original Johnson tappets used a right- or left-handed key that hooks to the next lifter. Ed says the key and the later two-hole tool are awkward and break the tabs.

Expert

Ed Smith

Evidence

expert attributed

Component

adjustable lifters and Johnson key

Applicable scope

Ford Flathead V8 with adjustable lifters