Hey guys I have a question for you. I thought I had developed an exhaust leak but it turns out it sounds like one of my rockers is tapping. So do I just pull the valve cover off and tighten them up? Or is it more complicated than that? Also what do I torque them to, and does anybody know if it will be okay if I don't get to it for a few days? it has been maybe three days or so that I have heard this noise.

Thanks!
Chris

 

loosen the rocker till it is really tapping then tighten it down till it stops and then go 1/4 of a turn or so and tighten the center hex.

 

So I can have it running with the valve cover off?

 

yep, might get a little oily but thats the only way to do it

 

Sweet, it should be okay for a couple of days right? I might not be able to get till it until next week. If it gets any worse though I won't drive it.

 

Do you have stock rockers? I don't see rockers listed in your sig. Stock rockers do not losen by themselvs, atleast non that I have ever heard of. How did it "turn out" that it is rockers tapping, just guessing?

 

Yea stock rockers, not sure, just a few days ago I noticed what I thought was an exhaust leak, so I went threw re-sealed everything and made sure there were no leaks. Then I listened a little more carefully and I realized it was coming from under the valve cover. Then when I was driving down the street, some guy yelled at me and said I had a rocker tapping.

 

Where in Florida do you live? If it is anywhear near me maybe I can listen to it for you and try to figure it out.

 

OH MAN I have some BAAAD news for you.

I had the same thing happen to my 95 Z28 (bolt on car, stock engine)
Thought I had an exhaust leak, car was running like crap. and then I notice a loud tapping/pinging noise comming from the drivers side valve cover.
A few days roll around before I have time to pull the valve cover off to inspect.

When I did, I found that the intake rocker stud on number 5 snapped off in the top of the cylinder head. And my intake rocker and pushrod were just laying in there on their sides. I pulled them out and put my valve cover back on so it can sit till I get some money together.

So, I suggest you do not drive it untill you check that out... unless you dont mind blowing your engine.

Good Luck, I really hope that you do not have the same problem as me.... and I'm definately going with some hardened ARP rocker studs next time.
-Tony

 

God I hope the same thing dosent happen to me. I drove it around today, I didn't get on it at all so I can't tell if it's losing power.

I live in Palm Beach, so thats kind of a far drive from O-Town.

I'll be pulling the valve cover off tommorrow, so I'll let you guys know what i find.

Wish me luck!