Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Measuring lifter pre-load

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 7, 2004 | 09:48 AM
  #1  
BenKey's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake, VA
Default Measuring lifter pre-load

Sorry if this has been asked before.

I have read through many threads on determining the amount of pre-load with a gauge, but have yet to read what kind of gauge or where to purchase. Can someone direct me to a brand/type/place etc... to get one?

I am trying to track down some valvetrain noise and just shifted to Comp pro-magnum 1.75 rockers (cam lift .575/.576 w/1.7). It's noise above the normal sewing machine sound. This is tap. I installed them, adjusted for zero lash, then added 1/2 turn, then locked down the fastners. The noise changed, but didn't get much better. So I readjusted to 1/4 turn. Again the noise changed some, but still present. My next step will be to go to 1/8 turn, but without a gauge it will be a little hard to be precise. How much pre-load "should" I have?

At what point do I need to consider replacing the lifters? I just had my motor built and had new Melling lifters put in, but up until now, it still had the stock rocker. My motor has 400 miles on it.
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2004 | 09:56 AM
  #2  
Hysteria's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
Default

You want .030" preload. Sometimes new lifters, or old lifters that have been out of use for sometime, will loose or not gain full prime. Take the adjustment to zero lash with no preload and lock it down and run the engine for about 15 minutes. Readjust to the 1/2 turn(.030") preload and that should get it.
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2004 | 10:22 AM
  #3  
SAM98WS6's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 0
From: harrisburg, pa
Default

NOT TRUE!! You want .008-.010 Preload with comp pro magnums (cold)
1/5th of a turn is just about perfect but using a dial indiactor will get it right on.

I called Comps tech line...have had no valvetrain issues..and others here that went .008-.010 had had no issues that I know all...guys with more preload have had issues.

Call Comps tech line if you have doubts between us.
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2004 | 10:38 AM
  #4  
Hysteria's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
Default

.030 is max on the comps because they can be used like a solid, you can vary your preload for tuning purposes.
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2004 | 10:48 AM
  #5  
BenKey's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake, VA
Default

Originally Posted by SAM98WS6
NOT TRUE!! You want .008-.010 Preload with comp pro magnums (cold)
1/5th of a turn is just about perfect but using a dial indiactor will get it right on.
You're not referring to CompR lifters are you? I know that is what they call for. What type of dial indicator and where can you get one?
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2004 | 11:54 AM
  #6  
SAM98WS6's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 0
From: harrisburg, pa
Default

I do have Comp Rs...missed your Melling.
Call the tech line and get the recommended answer for your lifter...you obviously want to run as little as possible with maximum reliability.
Any dial indicator with a probe and magnetic base. mount it at zero lash..tighten until the rocker pushes the recommended distance. Summit sells them...Harbor freight
Dont listen to any of us..you have melling lifters and comp rockers...how could we possibly have the right answer for you?
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2004 | 12:23 PM
  #7  
BenKey's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake, VA
Default

Originally Posted by SAM98WS6
Dont listen to any of us..you have melling lifters and comp rockers...how could we possibly have the right answer for you?
Is that an unusual combo, or something?
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2004 | 12:53 PM
  #8  
marc_w's Avatar
TECH Addict
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,620
Likes: 0
From: Central, MA
Default

Ben, I don't have much of any info to help you... just wondering about that tapping noise. Is it one or two complaining lifters or rockers, or is it the 'whole set'?

I had an unusual intermittent valvetrain noise with my last cam. Stock lifters, stock rockers. It sounded like one, maybe two lifters tapping. I could hear the noise through the firewall when driving, echoing in parking garages or next to cement walls/barriers. It was 'quite' noticeable. Is this what you have?
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

 Brett Foote
story-1

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-8

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-9

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Sep 7, 2004 | 01:22 PM
  #9  
BenKey's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake, VA
Default

Very similar yes, but it's constant.
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2004 | 01:56 PM
  #10  
marc_w's Avatar
TECH Addict
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,620
Likes: 0
From: Central, MA
Default

Dang - I wish I knew what it was.

I drove around like that for quite some time, basically thinking it was rather normal valvetrain noise. It just about completely cleared up about two weeks ago, all on it's own.

The cam was still a little noisey - there was still a small amount of tapping only heard if you listen close outside the vehicle, but it wasn't anything that really raised a flag with me.
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2004 | 02:17 PM
  #11  
BenKey's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake, VA
Default

I'm used to the "normal" noise that bigger cams, stiffer springs cause. This is not the sewing machine sound. Very annoying.
Reply
Old Sep 8, 2004 | 10:18 PM
  #12  
Taphee6's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
From: Cary Il
Default Valve Covers

Check the valve covers. With the Pro Mags I had to remove the rear baffle on the drivers rear valve cover. It is a little piece of sheet metal that just hits the rocker.
Reply
Old Sep 8, 2004 | 10:33 PM
  #13  
LASTLS1's Avatar
6 Second Club Moderator
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,682
Likes: 0
From: Lombard .IL
Default

My exhaust is so loud now, all the noises blend together! With comp r's I set mine at .014, but I'm going to reset them to .002-.004. I think .014 is too much.
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2004 | 06:12 AM
  #14  
BenKey's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake, VA
Default

Originally Posted by Taphee6
Check the valve covers. With the Pro Mags I had to remove the rear baffle on the drivers rear valve cover. It is a little piece of sheet metal that just hits the rocker.
I had some valve cover issues, but I fixed those when I installed them - thanks.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:06 PM.

story-0
6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

Don't get dad new socks or a grill brush this year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-04 18:13:20


VIEW MORE
story-1
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-2
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-6
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-9
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE