I put the heads back on, put in the pushrods, rocker arms, and started adjusting.

I did the top dead center thing on cyl #1, and adjusted the appropriate rocker arms by spinning the pushrod until there was resistance, then did another 3/4 of a turn.

Then I did 360 degrees on hub and started adjusting the remaining rocker arms. But the first ones I adjusted were now completely loose! Shouldn't they now always be tight?

Anyone know what i am doing wrong? Are the pushrods not fully seated in the lifters yet?

I did a search on here, and have several instructions on how to do this, and it seemed pretty straight forward.

Thanks guys.

 

Make sure the rocker arm is fully seated on the pushrod and in the lifter when you torque it down. Sometimes they seem to be, but they're not. Also, are you sure you were at TDC? Did you check your lifters to make sure they were all good (non collapsed?)

Greg

 

The best way to do it and get it right is to do one set at a time.Turn the motor over and when you see one valve move down,adjust the other one for that cylinder.That is a simplified way,just have to turn the motor over a lot.

 

Sounds like u had it on no. 6 on TDC to me. U need no. 1 on the compression stroke, u had it on exhaust. Stick your finger in the no. 1 hole (he he) while turning it over and when u feel air pressure, your on the comp. stroke. Are using locking rr nuts, if so, did u tighten the set screw? This method will get the car started, but, u really want to adjust em with the motor running. Go to the parts house and get these clips that cover the p/r hole in the end of the rocker. Then adjust em with it running, no mess when using those. Loosen till it clicks, tighten till it stops, and then go 1/4 turn. JMO........

 

How long has the car been sitting? If its been awhile the lifters will bleed down. Thats why u really cant get em right using the spin the p/r method. It will get u in the ballpark, but not just right. Adjusting em with it running is a whole lot easier than keeping to have to turn the motor over all the time, and u can get em perfect cause they will be pumped up, the lifters that is.

 

I turned it with the heads off so I could see piston in cyl #1 at the top. I coincided with that arrow on the hub at 12 oclock. No I didn't check the lifter, I can do that thanks.
Valve moves down means p/r comes up and spring compresses?
Maybe but see above, I could see piston at top before I put heads on. Thought I was being tricky, but maybe am doing it wrong.
Over a month. Maybe that is the problem!

 

Does the pass side valve cover go on and off with the alternator on? Or do i have to put all that on, then adjust the rockers, then take it off, put the valve cover on, then put the alt back on?

 

it only takes bout 15-20 minutes to adjust em. The battery should run the car and restart with no prob. I do mine with the alt. off but ever thing else hooked up. U might have to zip tie a few wires out the way temp. but its no prob. Dont forget to tighten the scew without moving the nut!!!

 

Oh, these are stock rockers (stock everything), so I don't know about any locking or screws. With stock rockers oil WILL go all over the place???

For the alternator question, you don't need the accesory/drive belt on the car for it to run?

Thanks for all the help! I need some hand holding here!

 

Take the belt all the way off (so it doesnt get caught in the balancer), it only runs the alt, a/c and p/s pump. Yes, stock rockers will sling oil everywhere. you can get some to metal clips to fit the rockers to contain the oil.