OKay I need some advice. I was checking my valvetrain geometry on the new motor. Without a head gasket, the roller tip rested on the intake side of the valve stem, on the inner third of the stem. As I rotate the engine over, the roller tip rolls to the middle of the valve stem and stays there until the valve begins to close and then it rests of the inner third of the valve stem again. Is this okay?

 

I'm no expert but I would think this is normal for self aligning roller rockers. However, without setting the preload on the lifters, perhaps you are not getting accurate results cuz everything is loose.

 

Some more info....I'm using guide plates with NSA pro mags and I had the head snugged down when I checked, just no gasket. I also had the lifters set at 1/2 turn past zero lash on COmp OEMs if that helps

 

Hmm, better talk to the experts then. But with guideplates I wouldn't think they would jump off or anything (I had that happen once).

 

You won't get any accurate results until you measure/check with a comressed head gasket under the head.Without this you're wasting your time worrying cuz this will affect where your rocker tip rides. only after ur ready to finally install the heads with the gaskets you are using will you get a good reading. Doing this is the best way to check. Use an adjustable pushrod for this and then you may or may not need custom length rods.

 

I gotcha, I was hoping I could do it with the motor out of the car. I cant bolt the heads on and put the engine throught the top so Ill have to check it again once its int he car. Thanks