Rattling Rockers...

[SonomaGTlover]

Ok, after much searching on the subject it seems that there are different opinions about adjusting rockers. 1/4 turn, 1/2, 3/4 even a full turn once the pushrod just begins to tighten.

I've dont this and it seems that within 2-3 miles, the rocker nuts keep looseining or the studs are pulling out. I found an old thread that says NO...NO...NO... to tightening them down all the way but all of the manuals I have read say that the '92 newer "W" engines (L-35's?) have no adjustment and should be tightened all the way.

I'm sure most of the threads are referring to stock SyTy heads (LB4's?) so the half turn or whatever works great with those. Surely there are a few of you guys out there with L-35's that have run into issues with rockers.

My head casting is #14099064 which I am sure is the '92+ "W" and guides have been added. I am basically looking for someone to verify that I need to torque them down all the way to 20 ft lbs. as CHilton and Hayes suggested. Also, will the thickness of the guides make a difference?

Right now I'm heading out to take the covers off once again so when I return I'll post a couple pics. Maybe they'll help with proper procedure in my case.

 

[JSM]

Re: Rattling Rockers...

If they are stock nuts, you may need to replace them. The lock part of them will wear out. (they are basically squished into an oval)

I do a 1/2 turn on adjustable. Stock heads you just tighten, but hard to tell with what you have. If they have guide plates chances are they were converted to adjustable.

 

[bezerk]

Re: Rattling Rockers...

what would happen if you tighten them down completly? and than just tighten them like you have normal lifters instead of hydraulic lifters?

 

[SonomaGTlover]

Re: Rattling Rockers...

Well, here are the pics. If I remember correctly, they look just like my SoGT set-up but I am not 100%

 

[sleepy]

Re: Rattling Rockers...

Those aren't the non-adjustable rocker studs, so you'll have to adjust them. I always set mine running - it just seems to work better. Engine warm, idling. Loosen one at a tim until it clatters, turn it tight until it stops making noise, then the ever elusive how much to turn it... I believe that one full turn is the GM spec, but I usually go with 1/2 turn, unless they are problematic. I never go over one full turn, I think there is a chance for bad things then. You should also think about new nuts for the studs, these will wear if they are adjusted a lot, and eventually not hold like they were meant to. Good luck, let us know what you do

 

[nallj92]

Re: Rattling Rockers...

those nuts dont look stock, just did mine did 1/2 turn past lash on 92 W code l35 block and heads

 

[dgoodhue]

Re: Rattling Rockers...

those nuts dont look stock, just did mine did 1/2 turn past lash on 92 W code l35 block and heads

I agree. The studs aren't pulling out either, because those are screw in studs.

 

[SonomaGTlover]

Re: Rattling Rockers...

Thanks guys, tha's what I wanted to know.
I ordered a new set of rocker nuts.

One thing I noticed when adjusting them (now looking back) some of them were easier to turn than others. Also when I removed this known good one in the pics, it got very hot. I'm sure it's because they are slightly oval in shape which is why they don't normally back off. The ones that were loosening up aparently weren't so "oval" anymore.

I'm gonna replace them all when the order arrives and hopefully my knock issues will go away forever!!

 

[Maxtor]

Re: Rattling Rockers...

hopefully my knock issues will go away forever!!

Come on, Jon. You own a SyTy. Nothing is forever, especially eliminating knock!

I am sure, though, that the rockers are causing 99% of your problems right now.

 

[bezerk]

Re: Rattling Rockers...

still fighting the same problem