Fry

hey,
I have a 302 froman 80-85 model car or truck,(dont know which it came from) but the heads on it have bolt rockers. I read that you just torque them down 20-30 lbs off the cam lobe, but if I do that it would open up the valve with just a little bit of force. I tried to just tighten the rocker like 1/4 turn after i hand tightened the bolt and I could see the valve barely move down. But after it runs for a little bit it becomes loose, and this happens every time. Im not real sure if locktite or anything would hold and was wandering what could be wrong, if anything. Im no mechanic and dont know much about this, could it be because of weak springs? wrong size pushrods? anything, i really dont know. I could just be going about this all wrong. If anybody has any input would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Fry

mjr46

what becomes loose?? the bolt??

Fry

Yah, the bolts come loose, i'd have to tighten it back up like every day or so.

mjr46

are you torquing them all the way down to spec with a torque wrench??

Fry

no,I didnt think I should do that because I tried to torque them down and it opened up the valve quite a bit. As I turned the bolts I just watchedthem open my valve more and more. Is something wrong maybe? The valves cant be open at all can they?

mjr46

that's normal!!.....don't worry about it if the valvetrain is stock and the cam is stock... just tighten them down until they reach the proper torque.........you could roll each cylinder to tdc and bolt the exhaust and intake rocker down and then it wouldn't depresss the valve but for stock set up I wouldn't waste my time...I just throw them on and bolt them down...you'll be fine.....what you are describing is a normal condition.....just bolt them down!!!

Fry

Awesome, Im a noob so thanks forbearing with me.I will really try that tomorrow,It just didnt feel right to me to tighten them that much. Ill be back tomorrow, I just found these forums and I am lovin them so far.
Thank you sir mjr46!

Fry