i just put some gm roller rockers on my 97 camaro ss and im not to sure if i adjusted the lash properly. what would probably help if i understood what lash was. i tightened the rockers until there was no play with the push rod and the rocker and then i tightened 3/4 turn each and then tighted the center bolt to 19 ft pounds. right now im getting some minor ticking from under the valve covers so hopfully adjusting them correctly will make it go away.

 

3/4 turn past zero lash is too much.

First off lose the lock nuts and get some poly-locks. Make sure the lifter is at base circle (no lift) on the cam and LIGHTLY screw the poly-lock on till it is snug. At this point you will be at zero lash meaning no free play and no pre-load.

Once at zero lash tightent the poly-lock an additional 1/4 circle to 1/2 circle turn and no more then tighten the set screws. I prefer 1/4 turn personally.

At this point your rockers will be installed correctly. The adjustment can be done with the lock nuts but it is a major PITA to get zero lash doing the pushrod spinning thing, plus the poly-locks are far better for reliability. Again the poly-locks take all the guesswork out of the process.

Your only other easy way out ussing the lock nuts is to do it with the engine running. While idling back the rocker nut off till it ticks loudly then tighten it down till the tick is nearly gone. Expect some ticking from the roller rockers, this is normal however some abrands are louder than others. I can barely hear my CC pro mags with the hood open.

 

If you had left it at 3/4 preload and not done the 19 ft lbs, you probably would have been ok. Forget the 19 ft lbs and do about a half turn. There is a complete guide for setting valve lash on my website.