Model A - Valve train issues

[jc37A]

I kept hearing loud ticking noises coming from the valve cover area and thought I'd adjust the valve lash. While getting ready to adjust the valves I see where the two inner push rods are rubbing the outer sides of the push rod tubes (see picture). Do you use shims to fix this and if so does John Deere stock them - or is there another remedy? Thanks for all your help.

 

[Machinery-Man]

Never heard of this before and it doesn't look like the rod is touching. I can't see where this would be any problem. Never heard of any adjustments....

 

[jc37A]

When the push rod starts opening the valve you can see a shiney area where its rubbing against the inside of the push rod tube. I've never noticed this before - I'm guessing it's been like this for some time. Does this appear to be normal?

 

[P Browning]

From what I see -- this condition is a result of wear-down of either the tappet shaft bracket or the tappet lever, or both (where they meet) and this wear is permitting the tappet lever to end up further from the center than designed. I think you need to repair this!

I believe the fix is fairly simple and also reasonable. Fetch some more flat washers with similar ID & OD as those you know have between the spring and tappet lever.

Go to a "Fastener" type store to order (like Fastenal, Inc.), and seek some that aren't real thick -- like between 0.032 and 0.045 inches thick.

Then insert 1 or 2 as required --- between tappet lever and tappet shaft bracket so as to bring the push rod back to center of the push rod tube.

Those washers have a JD Part Number of 24H248R, but aren't valid in JD inventory anymore. Ordinary flat washers of a size close to what you have will do just fine. (PatB)
JD-H Restoration Site

 

[MPK]

I think it will be fine after you get the valves adjusted properly. They seem to always be a little loose when not under tension.

 

[jc37A]

I tend to agree with you PatB on this. After more observations, I can see there's a bit of an angle where the pushrod meets the rocker arm that shouldn't be there and the valve stem makes contact at the edge of the rocker surface instead of the center. I'll start looking for some washers to shim the inner 2 rockers back toward the center. Thanks for the help!