630 Has Noisy Valve Train

GlenT · Mar 22, 2018

I have two 1959 630 JDs. I have been trying to find out why the one with 80 hours on a complete engine overhaul (sleeved with new pistons, rings, rod bearings, valve job, manifolds, cam grind, and quite a few other parts has so much noise coming from the valve cover. I have adjusted the valves three times with a dial depth gauge and can't get them to quiet down. It sounds like valve noise but is quite a bit louder than the other 630 which has 180 hours on it since overhaul (not by me on the one, bought at auction). The noisy tractor does run great. My worst fear is a loose sleeve but the noise sounds like valve noise. I am using Mobil Delvac 15W-40 oil.

GlenT · Mar 23, 2018

I forgot to mention that I exchanged the rocker assembly on the noisy engine with a rocker assembly from a parts 630 and the engine is still noisy. The oiler is working correctly. I also put a washer between the outside of #1 rocker arm and the C-clip on the rocker shaft. There was probably a .060 gap between the rocker and the C-clip. The washer did not change the noise.

machineryman1945 · Mar 23, 2018

Glen T: doesn't seem that all that work produced great results...having torn down several of these I was always careful to put the rods in the same postions...marked same...always used factory pistons....and jd original rings...never had any problem with the valve train...did have to grind the wear out of the tapets...then properly adjust...not sure what all the work was about....prefer factory blocks...maybe you can go back to the shop that did work....

GlenT · Mar 23, 2018

Thanks for the reply. I used factory pistons and rings std. after sleeving. The cam and tappets were re-ground. Rods did go in correct journals. The work was
actually done a few years ago and I just noticed the noise last year. I don't use the tractor much, just for hauling manure a couple miles for the garden and
as insurance if the other tractor gets stuck. I'm hoping I don't have a loose sleeve. I do have a parts 630 but am hoping I don't have to work up the block and
head on that.

The machinist that did the sleeving and head work does lots of 2-cylinder work. He does lots of boring but I'm not sure if he does much sleeving which is why I
am wondering about a loose sleeve. Any idea how I can tell whether I have a loose sleeve? I would guess the noise would be of the sleeve banging on the head if
the sleeve were loose.

It may be wishful thinking, but the exhaust sound of the noisy engine is much quieter than the other 630. I think I will swap mufflers and see if I am imagining
the noisy lifters (wishful thinking).

mdross · Mar 24, 2018

Adjusting the valves per factory spec's can leave them noisy. I adjusted both my 60 an 70 a lot tighter down near .010 both valves. They are not totally quiet but certainly a lot better than stock.

GlenT · Mar 24, 2018

Thanks mdross, I considered going tighter on the valves but was afraid I'd burn them. Have you put many hours on your 60 or 70 since going tighter on the valve adjustment?

mdross · Mar 25, 2018

The 60 was done in 2006 the 70 in 2012. I have been building and riding Harley Davidson motorcycles for over 50 yrs running solid lifters. Learned a long time ago you can adjust them a lot tighter than the manual says. Keep in mind as the engine warms up everything expands increasing the valve clearances.

GlenT · Mar 25, 2018

With the 2-cylinder JDs the valves get tighter as the engine warms up. The I&T Shop Service manual for the 630 (and others) on P. 19 says to adjust the valves to .022 cold and .020 hot.

mdross · Mar 26, 2018

Never checked valve gear when hot adjustment getting tighter does not make sense. I know for a fact that tightening up the valve lash hurts nothing and quiets them down.

buickanddeere · Mar 26, 2018

Unless the rocker arm tip and the top of the valve are 100% flat, true and square . Measuring with a flat gauge will leave the lash too wide.
Using the dial indicator how ?

GlenT · Mar 30, 2018

I used a dial indicator

630 Has Noisy Valve Train

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