I've been tunning my valves this morning and each time I've finished (2 times so far) I start the car up and hear a ticking coming from the back of the driver side valve cover. Upon removal, I find that the exhaust valve stem in cyl. # 7 is resting on the side of the rocker arm vs. right in the middle like all the other valve stems. Is it time for new rocker arms?

PS: followed shoebox's instructions on his tech page for the valve tunning...everything sounds pristeen on the pass side...

Thanks for any help,
wade

 

Stock rockers? I would remove rocker and ball, inspect them and the stud.

 

if I remove the rocker arm, I will need a valve spring compressor tool to get it back together won't I?

Stock rollers...might just be a good time to do a hotcam?

Thanks shoebox.

wade

 

Stock rollers?

Nothing special needed just to remove the rocker arm. The only time you need a compressor is when removing the spring.

Make sure you don't have a cracked rocker or stud.

 

my bad...stock rockers! Spacing a little today. I will remove the rocker arm and instpect it in a few...what am I looking for? wear?

wade

 

Anything out of the ordinary. Cracks, galling, etc. I know it is not a normal procedure and valve train components are usually kept where they have been worn in, but you might consider swapping it out with one on another cylinder to see if the trouble follows (if even as a temporary measure).

 

the rocker arm has no more groove for the valve stem to sit in. One of the sides is completely worm off. Other then that, the ball looks ok, and the valve stem is fine as well as the stud. GM sell individual rocker arms? should I go RR? If I do RR...can 1.6 work w/ current springs, valves push rod, etc? should I do the hotcam (might have some problems getting the wife to agree to that one...)?

thanks for the help!
wade

 

I would be sure there is evidence of oil coming up through the pushrod. Make sure it is not clogged. You can get individual stock rockers just about anywhere.

 

everything definatly looks well lubed.

 

When helping my mech rebuild my motor we had a rocker arm slip off on the passenger side closest to the front of the car. We think it was because his "helper" had knocked it a bit while wiggling the valve cover to fit...

 

thanks to shoebox and toby for the help. the problem is sovled now...got a new rocker arm from the dealer and put it in. I think the cause was that the rocker arm was loose and causing ticking. when i opened to inspect, i just figured it was loose...tightened it up and was off. i was told i should go ahead and adjust them all..so i did and found that the rocker was crooked again...so i replaced it. all better now

Peace!
wade