Rockers loose?

[Phoenyx]

As some of you know my rockers were hitting the sides of my valve covers:

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Here is what the valve cover looked like:

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And here is what was underneath. Everything looks good. But not sure if the rockers seem loose or not. I'm not to experienced in adjusting them:

[youtube]Xfe-uuufYDs[/youtube]

What do you all think? Is that normal?

 

[CHRIS.O]

You do need to adjust your rockers from what it looks like. There are tons of youtube videos on that so it shouldn't be hard to find instructions. That may stop them from hitting the covers but I dunno. You may need a a tall set of valve covers.

 

[GhettoRacingKid]

agree with above.

the fast easy way to get them decently close.

while the motor is running tighten them down. youll hear the valve stop its tapping. you need to be really careful becuase over tighening the rocker can cause major issues.

the proper way to do it is out there where you tighten it down to like 0 lash when the lifter is at the bottom. there is a whole big order.

 

[Dr. Rudy]

i havent adjusted rockers with the engine running, so forgive me for sounding a little slow on this one, but the valve cover would have to be off and with the engine running how much oil gets all over?

 

[CHRIS.O]

It's not too bad in my opinion. I stuff rags around the valve springs and rockers. They also make a clip that snaps onto the rocker to keep oil from spray. You can also use a valve cover and cut the center section out. I have done this as well. If you use an old cut out valve cover there is virtually no oil spilled.

 

[Dr. Rudy]

thanks, thats pretty cool. i had to do valve guides on my 4.3 s10 recently and the Haynes manual barely gave instruction so i kinda just test fired the truck and adjusted until the valvetrain sound went away. good learning experience, awful way to do that job haha.

 

[khan0165]

Phoenyx,
if you don't find a helpful video, I can give you a call and walk you thru how to adjust them.

If you're new to it, I don't know if you want to adjust them while the engine is running. You have to develop a feel for it, and a lot is at stake if your adjustment is off. The long way is a pain, but it leaves little room for error and you have piece of mind.

There used to be a very helpful video I found on youtube long ago, but it's since been taken down, and I haven't found other's to be as thorough in their explanation.

 

[565bbchevy]

Now this is how I used to so my small block chevy engines with hydraulic lifters:
Now first off to adjust them when it is running you need to be able to hear each rocker as you adjust so have your surroundings as quiet as possible and hopefully there are no exhaust leaks.
In this case where it is basically a readjustment I would warm the engine to operating temp.
I always use rocker arm clips they are very inexpensive.If you have a cut valve cover and the clips even better but if not just jack up the side you are going to work on and remove the valve cover, do one side at a time. And also test fit accessability with your rachet and extensions to get around any obsticles(brake booster,ac) so you are not looking for the proper tools half way through.
Make sure all the clips are snug on the rockers, adjust clips as necessary.
Fire the engine up and start from one end, loosen the rocker until it clatters and concentrate on the distinct sound that it makes.
SLOWLY tighten it down until the clatter is gone, if you are not sure back it off again and do it over.
Once the clatter is gone you are at zero lash, now you can make a 1/4 turn adjustment, the engine it will idle down for a moment wait about 10 seconds and let the lifter pump up and idle will be restored. Most final lash recommendations are 1/2 to 1 full turn past zero lash but always do it in 1/4 turns and wait for the engine to adjust between each one.
Do each rocker arm this way and finish the one side,remove the clips,install valve cover,set the car back down and start all over on the other side.
Just take your time, rushing through this only causes problems it takes a gentle touch and a good ear.

 

[CHRIS.O]

Great advice 565. I will add that if it is hard to hear you can also feel when the rocker stops tapping by holding the rocker. Not sure if it is as good as hearing for it but I have noticed the feel and sound coincide.

 

[Phoenyx]

Well I think I'm gonna tackle this one on my own. I have seen it done before, just haven't done it myself. Thanks for all the great advise, now this will be a much easier job to do. Sure glad I bought those rubber gaskets now lol.

I won't be working on it tomorrow (my b-day), but if I'm not to ill on Sunday I'll give it a shot.

I'll keep you all updated.