1987 Chevy El Camino/SBC 355 Build (2nd Rebuild!!)

[ElCamMan515]

Re: SBC 355 Build (Bad News!)

Yeah i would only break motor in again if i damaged cam bc i would buy a new one haha. Thanks again for all your input guys. just sad to see a new motor die.

 

[jrm81bu]

Re: SBC 355 Build (Bad News!)

From the picture it appears you might be using guideplates on a head that uses holes for pushrod alignment if you have both it will cause binding issues, the holes would have to be opened up to work properly.

It looks like there could be some alignemnt issue between the holes and the guideplates in the picture. Maybe it's just the angle of the camera but it seems to be a lot.

 

[ElCamMan515]

Re: SBC 355 Build (Bad News!)

jrm81bu -- Yeah you are correct, when i took valve covers off, not only where some of the rockers not aligned, the pushrods were wearing into the side of the pushrod holes. I will not be using the guideplates when i get heads fixed.

 

[pontiacgp]

Re: SBC 355 Build (Bad News!)

what about using self aligning rockers

 

[crotchss]

Re: SBC 355 Build (Bad News!)

Also you may have over tightened the rocker arms. I set them by turning the engine over and as the exhaust lifter of the cylinder you're on just starts to move to come up, you set the intake rocker for that cylinder. Then turn engine over and as the intake valve just closes all the way set that exhaust rocker. To set the preload on a hydraulic, I jiggle the push-rod I'm setting up and down until all the lash comes out of it and I can't jiggle it up and down anymore. Then I give it a 1/2 turn, I've seen guys try the turning method until they feel resistance and most of the time it's too tight because of the good lubricants we have nowadays.

 

[ElCamMan515]

Re: SBC 355 Build (Bad News!)

Can I Use Self-Aligning Rockers On Pre-Vortec Heads? If So I Will Def Invest In Some!

Also I Will Try That Way Of Lashing When I Rebuild Motor In Coming Year...

Thanks Guys.

 

[crotchss]

Re: SBC 355 Build (Bad News!)

Yes you can if the pushrod holes are big and are not the slotted style that fit it like a guide plate.

 

[565bbchevy]

Re: SBC 355 Build (Bad News!)

Some Pictures:

Drivers Side:

I was thinking that you had standard flat guideplates but you have ones with the raised step and they are UPSIDE DOWN.
This would be your issue, I would have your machine shop open up those holes,then you can flip your guideplates over, buy some decent rollers rockers,check your pushrod length and buy a good hardened set of pushrods.

 

[ElCamMan515]

Re: SBC 355 Build (Bad News!)

O Never Had A Set Before So I Thought They Went That Way. Newbie Mistake! Thanks

 

[CHRIS.O]

Re: SBC 355 Build (Bad News!)

Cant believe none of us caught the whole guide plate mistake before he fired it up. You don't want to run guide plates when you have pushrod holes to guide the pushrod that will cause binding and bend pushrods. Sorry about your luck man. I hope you get back at it and have her up and screaming again soon. Good luck.