Installing Roller Rockers

[VendettaV8]

Ive read install guides, and none of them mention setting preload at TDC....

so can I set the preload without finding TDC? :hmm:

[JAKEJR]

No. It's not TDC you're looking for.

Here's the deal: You didn't say if you're moving TO Non-Self-Aligning (NSA) rockers FROM Self-Aligning (SA) rockers.

If you are moving to NSA rockers, you need hardened guide plates and hardened pushrods if your engine was originally set up for SA rockers.

Setting lifter preload can be confusing and a LOT of guys have problems when it comes to doing it. There are several different methods to do it, it's just that one particular method is easier and less prone to error than the others.

The most important thing in setting lifter preload is to be sure the lifter is on the base circle of the camshaft lobe when you find ZERO LASH and setting the PRELOAD.

Since it's just about impossible to actually SEE if the lifter is on the base circle of the cam lobe with the intake installed, what you do is watch the INTAKE pushrod movement to set the EXHAUST. Then you watch the EXHAUST pushrod movement to set the INTAKE. May sound crazy, but that's how it's done.

Start at the very first rocker at the front of the engine on the driver's side. That'll be the #1 EXHAUST.

Now, you'll need to turn the engine in the normal direction of rotation, while watching what the INTAKE pushrod does. At some point the INTAKE pushrod will begin to move UP, indicating the INTAKE VALVE is beginning to open.

Once the INTAKE PUSHROD travels all the way to the top of its travel and begins to drop - go down - continue turning the engine until the pushrod is ALMOST to the bottom of it's travel. This isn't too critical, just as long as it has dropped more than half-way down.

NOW's the time to set the #1 EXHAUST LIFTER PRELOAD.

Reach over with your hand the grab the EXHAUST PUSHROD. Begin tightening the poly-lock while, at the same time, gently move the EXHAUST pushrod up and down.

Continue tightening the poly-lock and once you can NO LONGER move the pushrod up or down, you've found ZERO LASH.

Some recommend twisting the pushrod until slight resistance is felt, but that causes errors, because what is slight to one person isn't to another. Just do the up and down.

Okay, now you're at ZERO lash for the #1 EXHAUST. At that point, you set the preload; most use 1/2 turn. The ideal preload is .030" and 1/2 turn pretty much puts the preload there.

Now, we're moving on to setting the INTAKE preload.

On this one, you watch the EXHAUST, the one you just set. You again turn the engine while watching what the EXHAUST rocker does.

At some point the EXHAUST ROCKER tip will begin to move downward, opening the EXHAUST valve. As SOON as the
Exhaust rocker begins to open the EXHAUST valve, STOP. That'll mean the INTAKE lifter is on the base circle of the INTAKE LOBE.

Do the same up and down thing on the INTAKE pushrod, stopping when the pushrod can no longer be moved up or down. That'll be ZERO LASH for the #1 INTAKE. Now set the preload adjustment.

Continue down the line, next doing the #3 cylinder, then #5, etc. Once that side is done, move to the passenger side of the engine and do the same thing and you'll be done.

Remember, the valve orientation is EIIEEIIE (front to back or back to front) E= EXHAUST AND I-INTAKE. Don't confuse the intake and exhausts.

Hope this helps.

Jake

West Point ROCKS!

[BLOWNDFIZ]

^^^Perfect!^^^

[3DFORMULA]

^^^Perfect!^^^

Yes, very well described.

[James Montigny]

http://shbox.com/1/4th_gen_tech2.html#adjust_valves

[VendettaV8]

Now I read this engine running version....

sounds like you can do one at a time and adjust while running?

[Spartan7]

Now I read this engine running version....

sounds like you can do one at a time and adjust while running?

No need to do the engine running method. Do it like described above and you will have no problems.

[Fire67]

Now I read this engine running version....

sounds like you can do one at a time and adjust while running?

Good luck hearing whether youve rid that particular valve of noise when they are all making noise :doh:

[VendettaV8]

i guesso, I just remember seeing this guy do it on youtube or sumn and it looked pretty neat

[James Montigny]

i guesso, I just remember seeing this guy do it on youtube or sumn and it looked pretty neat
You mean the vid where coolant is bubbling everywhere and oil is
squirting all over his headers and smoking?
Teddys Car Video by BADASS Z28 - MySpace Video

With an LT1 alt mounted in stock position, it's difficult to adjust with the VCs
off unless you use a junk set of VCs with holes drilled or something to sheild the oil,
even the, having to remount the alt is a pain.

If you have an HV oil pump, you're gonna get a 65psi 5W30 shower too. (ask me how I know)

[VendettaV8]

^ lol why does he have the coolant cap off anyways? otherwise it looks liek it worked well for him and didnt take long.... a little mess but it did work...