Well I after solving the many other problems with my LT1 (at least it keeps me busy) I have decided to figure out why I have extra valvetrain noise. Now for the curious the valvetrain noise was noticeable after I replaced my very bad optispark. I the bad opti was causing lots of missing, some detonation, and on and off dead cylinders. Now after I fixed the opti I noticed a kind of louder valvetrain noise, I guess its called chatter, but its just louder on one side than the other. Although everything runs well, the engine seems to have a cycling rythm kind of tone at mid to low rpms, would the broken spring cause this?

Perhaps a rocker a bit loose? I just want to know what to look for when I pop the valve covers off. I have never messed with valvetrain before and I dont want to over tighten or install something wrong. Any recommendations?

Also when I take the covers off, can I reuse the gasket or do I need some new ones? I am thinking about waiting until I do 1.6 GMPP or Promags to check it out and just replace the springs anyways while its open.

I have used a screwdriver to listen thru the valve covers and one side has a noticeably louder valvetrain, I can also hear it just leaning over the engine sides.

-Dustin-

 

I very positive you donn't have a broken spring otherwise your car wouldn't run very well or might not run at all. Its possible that you have a loose rocker and you could try re-adjusting them to see if that makes the extra noise go away. You should only have to replace the gasket if you break it when taking the valve covers off but if this is the first time the valve covers have ever been off, there is a good chance the gasket will break.

 

Thanks, upon further inspection its just a loud chatter. Anyone have tips for checking the rockers for extra play? How about tightening them?

-Dustin-

 

The rockers should move side to side just a little bit if there isnt a load on them. As far as adjusting the rockers. Just bring each cylinder to top dead center on the compression stroke and tighten the nut till the push rod just stops moving up and down when u shake it and then just give it about 1/4 turn to snug it down. It isnt hard at all.

 

I disagree about the broken spring. A car can run right and pull right on up to 6100 without you even realizing that it has a broken spring. Ask me how I know.

 

Getting closer to finding the answer, I bought some LT4 Springs, retainers, seals, etc and I am going to get some 1.6 RR soon too. I hope its just a loose rocker or at the most a broken spring. Open to any other comments or suggestions.

-Dustin-