I'm installing my recently ported heads and new cam. Im trying to install the valvetrain, but ran into some issues, so here goes:

I installed the rockers as instructed by the head porter, tighten them on the backside of the lobe untill they cant be pulled off the valve, go a quarter turn more, then set the allen screw inside the rocker stud. I did thid for all the rockers, and went on to other work..

Later, I looked over them again to double check my work, and found all the rockers on the backside of the lobe were very loose. So I went over all the rockers again. Now I realize that all I did was collapse the plungers, and once there is oil pressure, the rockers will be way too tight......


So what the hell do I do now?

 

There is also a sequence that must be followed when adjusting lash. You have to make absolutely sure the lifters are on the base circle of the cam before adjusting. This vid may help you out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPOaAsuzhsE

Also, shoebox has other methods of adjustment:
http://shbox.com/1/4th_gen_tech2.html#adjust_valves

 

I would get the adjustment close, and then readjust the roller rockers when the engine is running. That's what I did.

 

ss.slp.ls1, how did you go about doing that?

 

Do you have full roller rockers?

 

I removed the valve covers (you'll have to remove the alt).
I removed all of the allen set screws (because I didn't want any of them vibrating out if they were loose) but I keep the adjustment that I had before I started the car.
Started up the car (yes you can run it with no alt).
I went to each rocker one at a time. I loosened the poly lock with a wrench until it was really loose (finger loose) and the rocker was clanking around. Then I tightened the poly lock back down with my fingers, yes fingers until it stopped turning freely (this should be right as the poly lock seats against the rocker) this will also be the exact moment you hit zero lash. Then I added an additional 1/2 turn with a wrench. I installed the allen set screw and tigntened it down. Then I gave the poly lock a sinch with a wrench to make sure the whole thing was locked in place. I repeated this process with all of the rockers. You will make a bit of a oily mess, but it's not a big deal. You will get the hang of it and adjusting roller rockers will be easy.
I then put the covers and alt back and and proceded to deposit rubber down a local street...

 

Yes, they are full roller rockers, thay are s.a. though. I have the lifters out again to soak in oil again overnight. I'm positive I set them right the first time, though cause of my inexperience I second guessed myself. I will reinstall everything tomorrow and finish this damn project. If the rockers are chattering a few minutes after startup, I will adjust them while the car is running as you described. Hopefully I will be leaving the 'rubber deposits' tomorrow as you described! Thanks for the help -Chris

 

I would always readjust them with the engine running. It's the most accurate way to adjust them IMO.

 

How much preload should I put into them? 1/4, or 1/2?

 

The lifters dictate the amount of preload you should use. I have stock lifters and I used 1/2 turn of preload.

 

I'm still using the stockers to. I dont want to use too little preload and end up with all kinds of noie, but I dont want to go too crazy and overdo it.

 

I used 1/2 turn of preload and no abnormal valve train chatter at all.

 

ok, Ill go with 1/2 then.

 

 

I have been... In fact thats all its good for right now as I cant hook up no matter how hard I try.

 

My site has the same method shown in the video, just without video.

I use method 1 (you pretty much have to for initial setup) and have not touched my valves in years.