Ive used the search function and it seems I do have a loose rocker arm/broken spring/broken retainer or collapsed lifter. I have a really bad ticking noise from the passenger cylinder head and im taking off the valve cover to find the culprit today. My question is how do I go about finding the "loose" rocker arm. With the engine off, do I just start feeling/turning the rods to see if one is loose. Then use the 1/4 turn past lash method. Do I need to worry about TDC, etc... I had a shop install them about 3 years ago and they have never been adjusted or re-checked. Thanks as always.

p.s. If I find a loose rod/arm, can I just tighten down the nut then tighten down the set screw. Open to any advice

 

You need to find TDC on the Firing stroke. Or even better... go check shoebox web page he has some methods. then back out the poly locks and adjust them again... I went 1/4 on my dry new lifters.. but then i had to go back and redo them when the lifters pumped up with oil... I went 3/4 however the book said 1 full turn and yet at 3/4 it felt too tight. I will go back this weekend and back them all out and re-adjustem to 1/2 turn...

It all Depends on your lifters.. The plunger has to be situated 1/2 way from 0 lash to max lash.. This time I am just gunna find out whats max... and go half way. The reason I say that is cause on the old OEMs I could go 1 full turn now I can only go 3/4 turn on the new OEM lifters.

Another reason i believe I can only go 3/4 is cause I installed 7/16 studs and they have a 20 thread count... the old 3/8 have a finer thread count so in essence I am pushing more with every turn of the poly lock on the new Studs.

Now you know why is so complicated?? depends on your set up... PM Shoebox hes got a good webpage but keep in mind about the poly lock thread count and type of lifters you have.


Marvin

 

Thanks Marvin.....I went on his site and printed some stuff out. It seems that I should find something really loose and im hoping its a backed out set screw that I can tighten. If it still makes noise, it's probably a lifter.