what is valve lash? topic makes it pretty obvious and dose anybody know a good page on how to build a head? thanks

 

valve lash is the clearance between the cam lobe and closed valve stem. It should just barely be touching it.

What do you mean by "Build a head"? Do you mean rebuild like replacing valves, stems, cam/cams, etc? or P&P, 3/5 angle valve job type build?

 

valve lash is just as that other guy discribed. it's measures where the cam and rocker, or whatever you call it, meet. I know that on my B16 the clearance is .006"-.007" on the intake side and .007"-.008" on the exhaust side. I just try to set it to the lower number and if it's getting close I try the bigger number and if it's less then it's good enough for me. This is measured using a feeler gauge, you can get them for about $5 at any car parts store.

If you don't have the right tools you can't put a head together or take it apart. you might be able to rent a valve spring compressor and just have a machine shop or a mechanic do the valve guides and seat grinding for you since it requires a special alignment tool and special cutters for the seats. then you could put in the valves and retainers and springs your self.