Ok, I have been trying to get rid of this loud pinging noise coming from the rocker arms, I believe. The problem started long time ago so I replaced the rods, and rocker arm nuts since they were coming lose. I started driving the car daily and it seems that the nuts are getting lose again, soI tightened them once againand the noise dissapeared, then drove it for about 10 minutes and the pinging noise returned this time a bit louder. I don't know if I have tightened them to much or if something else is wrong? I need help, if someone had this problem before, please tell me how to get rid of it.

 

Pinging noise? Usually rockers "click" due to being loose. BTW- if you have them too tight the engine will run like crap. If the nuts continue to loosen, either the lifters are bleeding down and the arms are running loose or the studs are worn out and the nuts can't self lock or the nuts self-locking mechanism is faulty.

 

usually what is the torque specifications for the rocker arms on a stock 302 need to be?

 

That depends on whether it is a hydraulic or solid lifter cam.

 

No idea but don't think there's a torque value, the nut pinches the stud to keep it from loosening after you've set the clearances properly.

 

Ok I might sound stupid but how do you set the clearences properly? just incase thats the problem, and by the way the 302 has solid lifters

 

You can do it a couple different ways. First you get the engine hot (running temperature). Some guys adjust by sound while the engine is running using a set of cutup valve covers. Some measure the valve lash is using a feeler gauge, usually 10-20 thousanth (.010-.020). Here is an article from Crane that is very helpful.

http://www.cranecams.com/?show=techarticle&id=2

 

yep, now that we know they're "solids". Warm it up and set the lash with each cylinder at TDC, use the dist rotor as the cylinder pointer (the spark plug fires just before TDC while on the compression stroke) for the cyl if you can't figure out TDC or not.

 

Press in studs? Maybe the studs are coming loose and increasing lash over time.

 

I've had problems with worn out studs and had to use jam nuts to keep it adjusted.
A pain but cheap.