my rockers make a real tiny ticking sound when they are running, is this normal? sort of like.. a sewing machine haha

 

What kind are they?

 

crane 1.6 full roller, steel

 

I didn't know Crane made a steel rocker? Is it something new?

Noise increases with the full roller rockers. That's why GM put a different knock module in the 1996 Corvette LT4, with the Crane Gold (aluminum) roller rockers.

 

They're definately not aluminum and crane makes them. But more to the point, I checked them again, and gave the looser ones an 1/8th of a turn. Still sounds like a sewing machine, runs great, so I think thats just how the noise travels through the valve covers.

 

I use Comp Cams aluminum full roller, and I found that it does sound louder. And yes, one could say it sounds like a sewing machine. All I can think of is that there are more moving parts, thus more noise -- even though there is less friction.

 

A sewing machine is the normal sound they make.
If they sound different than that, then you have a problem

 

Thats why Corvette LT1/4 engines got the composite valve covers that absorb that noise.

 

LTs and ORY make it even louder, I notice on mine when the cutout is open its very noticeable.

 

my crane golds click and clack but thats because their adjusted very loose. I don ever hear the sewing machine noises all you guys speak of though.

 

Yeah, they installed composite covers on 93-95 LT1 vettes in order to reduce the noise from the RRs that they didn't have...

 

I think of a sewing machine producing more of a "whir" sound than a light tapping. If you hear any sort of distinct tapping then you need to check them again. Get an automotive stethoscope to help pinpoint which ones are tapping.

 

I have Corvette composite covers, they do reduce the sound a good bit. Rollers are going to lightly tick, tapping is indicating they are most likely loose or the push rod is banging the guide plate.

 

You should be able to hear it a little with stock rockers too.