Sparksj

I have a 76 Mustang Cobra II with a 302 that we are in the process of
rebuilding, when we have run into a problem that this shade tree mechanic
can not seem to find a way to fix, even with all of the input from my shade
tree mechanic friends.

The rocker arms at tightened and tourqued to spec, but after the engine
idles for a few minutes the rocker arms begin to loosen. We have repeatedly
retourqued an reset them, to include going as far as buying a new set of
rocker arm nuts, and using Loctite to hold them in place but regardless of
what we try the nuts continually back off.

Have considered replacing the studs and it has been suggested that we
replace the rocker arms, but trying to minimize expense.

Does anyone have any suggestions on why this is happening, and what we could
do to resolve it?

WNDSOR

they make locking nuts for that, might try that

roundman

did you change lifters? are they solid or hydraulic ones? did you soak them good in some fresh oil before you installed them? do you have good oil pressure? do you have press-in studs? maybe they pulled loose in the heads? you might want to go to screw in studs. are you using thicker than normal head gaskets? are the valves stock length? if they're shorter than stock, this could be the reason for the excess clearance. if none of the above is a problem, then it sounds like you need to get some slightly longer pushrods provided you are using hydraulic lifters. you could try the Ford Racing Parts tech line at 586-468-1356 also.
hope this helps you out!

TheGmKiller331

Are you using the nuts that were originally on?If so they could be stretched it sounds like these are stretched a bit.

Go to a machine shop and ask if they have anything you can use or any recommendations if new nuts do not help out.

Buzzstang

use the industral strength loctite and let it set up over night. the industral strength loctite is for higher temp then the normal stuff.