How To Check Valves On '74 Dodge Charger

Need to know how to check the valves on a '74 Dodge Charger? Checking the valves on your '74 Dodge Charger is important. Having a thumping V8 in your '74 Dodge Charger requires regular attention to keep it running smoothly and to keep the performance up. Follow the steps below to learn how to check your Dodge Charger's valves.

1. To check the valves on your '74 Dodge Charger, you must first open the hood and remove the two valve covers on the very top of the banks of the V8. Underneath you will see a row of rocker arms, which have rocker arm nuts that are used to slacken and tighten the valves to ensure a perfect fit.
2. If your engine is running with a top end tapping noise or burning too much fuel, the best way to remedy both situations is to check the valves. With the engine warm—not full operating temperature, but warm—you need to check with the manufacturer's guides for valve clearance.
3. Clip the oil deflectors out of the way to prevent the oil from spilling and start the engine. Using a long extension bar, a 3/8-inch drive and 5/8-inch socket, slacken off the first rocker until you hear the tapping noise. From there, allow another half turn and let the engine speed stabilize. Repeat this procedure for the fifteen remaining rockers on this bank of your '74 Dodge Charger's V8.
4. Reinstall the valve or rocker cover with a new gasket and ensure a tight seal. Make sure you start tightening the valve cover screws from the center and working outwards to make sure the gasket does not split or stretch. Repeat for the other bank of sixteen rockers on the V8 engine.
5. Reinstall any peripheral brackets and accessories which were removed or moved to gain access to your Dodge Charger's rocker covers. Restart the engine and check that it revs freely and there are no odd sounding noises coming from the top end. It is wise to check the valves again after a few thousand miles, in case they loosen up again.