Lithium

iTrader: (47)

Reinstalling the rocker right now on the passengers side.

The first front three went in without any problems. The back ones though are not going as good.

I almost feel like I am going to hit 22 lb ft just threading them in half way down. They are just really tought to thread in. I am afraid that something is wrong???

Ferocity02

iTrader: (60)

You are probably compressing the springs, which is noraml. I assume you put the rocker pedastal back on? I forgot to do that once haha. Anyways, maybe clean out the holes with some wd-40 and compressed air before bolting down the rockers will help a little.

chpmnsws6

iTrader: (70)

turn the engine over a few (1/4 turn or so). if you don't, you run the risk of pulling the threads out of the head which is REALLY easy to do with these heads

Lithium

iTrader: (47)

I turned it over to check everything. That was when I installed the pedistal and two pushrods and two rockers. I probley turned it over 360 degrees or so.

Now I am on the last two for the passengers side.

Should I keep turning it over till they thread in better? I keep turning the engine and building compression but still doesnt want to thread in right.

Also the back ones dont even really line up with the spring - the rockers arm look like they are to far back.

Do I just need to keep turning it?

Ferocity02

iTrader: (60)

Try turning the motor over until both of the pushrods on the rockers you are trying to torque are all the way at the bottom. Or just do one at a time.

Lithium

iTrader: (47)

Alright cool.

Thanks man.

chpmnsws6

iTrader: (70)

they won't thread in smoothly? what about when you just thread the bolt in without rocker arms? maybe try doing that so you know its not the head itself. if they still don't thread in, ya might have to pull out the trusty thread tap. its an M8 but for some reason i cannot remember the pitch. maybe a 1.25?

LS1FIRE

iTrader: (1)

It could be that the lifter is on a cam lobe pushing the pushrod up. Try rotating the pulley like others said until you can pop the push rod and lifter down, and then try torque them. On one of JRPs stickys there is a torque sequence for the rockers.

Here a link https://ls1tech.com/forums/generation-iii-internal-engine/381537-there-torque-sequence-rockers.html

Lithium

iTrader: (47)

Alright this is really starting to **** me off.

I have been down there for way to long on those rear rockers.

Its the actual bolt that is not threading in. It just stops a little after half way down. Then it gets realllllly hard to thread in so I just back it out everytime.

The rocker arm does not look like its going to line up either. Its to far forward compared to the others.

I just dont get it

Do I need to get it back at TDC? Seems like it wont be necessary?

JJB 00ss

Be careful I busted a bolt on passenger #8 yesterday pulled head today//Do not get in an hurry and go to Chevy house and buy new bolts if needed. look at your threads?? are they stripping ?? Sounds like you might have started to strip the head//If thats the case go to nearest parts house and get a threader for metric #8 I beleive...anyway slow down and take a break ...unles you wan't to pull the head like I did today

chpmnsws6

iTrader: (70)

time to pull out the trusty tap

Lithium

iTrader: (47)

Haha this sucks. Another trip to Sears I guess.

Dumb question: Are the 98 rockers different from the rest of the years? cause I have to switch valve covers.

chpmnsws6

iTrader: (70)

the 98's should be the same rocker. you can find the tap at any autoparts store. don't get discouraged, your just about done! remember 90% of even car guys out there are scared of changing there own cam out

Lithium

iTrader: (47)

I have not even started this SOB up yet either. Thats going to be the real test.

Thanks for help though. I am going to run down there now actually and see what I can find.

What size tap? Just want to be sure.

chpmnsws6

iTrader: (70)

i swear its an M8 1.25 but don't quote me on it.

if you take the bolt in they should have a tester, or atleast most places do

Lithium

iTrader: (47)

Is this my fault? cause these are new heads and all. I really dont think I stripped the thread...

chpmnsws6

iTrader: (70)

more then likely something fauly with that thread in the head. as i said, i'd just shoot TSP a pm informing them of the problem. if you do much LS work, you'll likely need that tap again anyway

Lithium

iTrader: (47)

Heres a little update:

Got the tap from Kragen. I had to tap the two back threads. Yes out of all 8 of them the back 2 needed it .

But everything went well and I got all the rockers torqued down. Turned the engine over a bunch and everything seems good....

Thanks again for you guys' help. I really do appreciate it

chpmnsws6

iTrader: (70)

so hows it run!?!

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

One quick question, if these are ported heads was the bottom of the rocker boss cut off during the porting? If so and you tapped the threads, you may have gotten metal chips in the motor. You may want to check that out before you fire it up.