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Re-adjusting rockers once engine has run

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Old 06-03-2010, 09:16 PM
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Re-adjusting rockers once engine has run

I'm thinking I may have adjusted my rockers/valves too much and wanted to back off all the poly locks and readjust my roller rockers again. Can I do this with valve covers off and the engine running without making a complete mess? Tips, pointers, etc?

Reason is, my fresh built 383 (specs in my sig) ran a 17.1 @ 80.4mph at the track last weekend with my tune. Granted, my tune was probably nothing more than poor but seems like the engine just runs hard. First oil change at 200 miles had a fair amount of metal dust on the magnetic oil drain plug. I haven't changed it yet at 600miles on the new build but will this weekend. Plugs looked alright, heat signature on the plugs looked alright I mean.
Old 06-03-2010, 10:30 PM
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Re: Re-adjusting rockers once engine has run

In the old days, we would get old valvecovers & cut the top off.
Old 06-03-2010, 11:06 PM
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Re: Re-adjusting rockers once engine has run

Originally Posted by AC
I'm thinking I may have adjusted my rockers/valves too much and wanted to back off all the poly locks and readjust my roller rockers again. Can I do this with valve covers off and the engine running without making a complete mess? Tips, pointers, etc?

Reason is, my fresh built 383 (specs in my sig) ran a 17.1 @ 80.4mph at the track last weekend with my tune. Granted, my tune was probably nothing more than poor but seems like the engine just runs hard. First oil change at 200 miles had a fair amount of metal dust on the magnetic oil drain plug. I haven't changed it yet at 600miles on the new build but will this weekend. Plugs looked alright, heat signature on the plugs looked alright I mean.
You can take the valve cover off and re-lash your valves.
Old 06-03-2010, 11:49 PM
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Re: Re-adjusting rockers once engine has run

I always adjust my rockers cold and engine not running. Never had to readjust.
Old 06-04-2010, 08:23 PM
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Re: Re-adjusting rockers once engine has run

So, I guess my real question is I've got 600 or so miles on the new motor and I'm thinking I may need to reset my rockers polylocks.
Old 06-04-2010, 09:37 PM
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Re: Re-adjusting rockers once engine has run

Yes you can pull one cover off. This method works very well for a running engine.

Loosen the adjusting nut of one valve until you hear it "clicking". Slowly re-tighten the adjusting nut until the clicking stops. Tighten an additional 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Lock it down.


Or do em all over cold. Ive always did it this way and never had a problem.

Valve Adjustment The Quick Way:

With the engine OFF and spark plugs removed so that you can rotate the engine with less effort.

1. Get #1 piston to compression TDC, Cam gear at 12 o'clock crank gear at 12 o'clock.

2. Adjust the intake valves on cylinders 1, 2, 5, & 7 by loosening the rocker nut until play is in the pushrod then just take the up and down play in the pushrod and tighten the rocker nut 90 degrees

3. Adjust the exhaust valves on 1, 3, 4, & 8 in the same manner.

4. Rotate crank 360 degrees to get cylinder #6 to compression TDC, Cam gear at 6 o'clock and crank gear at 12 o'clock.

5. Adjust the intake valves on 3, 4, 6, & 8 in mentioned manner

6. Adjust the exhaust valves on 2, 5, 6, & 7

Getting the '0' lash is the same as I posted originally. Use the "up and down" rather than "spinning" the pushrod. You will find it to be much more accurate
Old 06-04-2010, 10:38 PM
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Re: Re-adjusting rockers once engine has run

TPI383--

Thanks for posting the process!! I have seen it before but forgot where!!


AC--
I hope this gets you going fast again!! Good luck!!
Old 06-06-2010, 02:22 PM
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Re: Re-adjusting rockers once engine has run

Originally Posted by AC
So, I guess my real question is I've got 600 or so miles on the new motor and I'm thinking I may need to reset my rockers polylocks.
AC, are you saying your 383 with a ProCharger, Dart heads and a healthy cam only ran 17.1 @ 80 MPH in the quarter???

If so something is definitely wrong.

Jake

My son, Ryan M. Cameron, graduated from West Point on 22 May 2010! He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and I pinned on his first pair of "Butter Bars" PROUDEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!
Old 06-06-2010, 02:54 PM
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Re: Re-adjusting rockers once engine has run

Originally Posted by JakeJr
AC, are you saying your 383 with a ProCharger, Dart heads and a healthy cam only ran 17.1 @ 80 MPH in the quarter???

If so something is definitely wrong.
![/B]
x2 , That tune has to be way off. Or something is "fubared" Im curious whats going on with the combo. Esp. since you said you do great tuning work and "charge and don't just give em away" when I asked you for advice on my $59 tune.

Heck there are some great starter bins on $59 with a few auto tunes running Hi 10's on boost.
Old 06-06-2010, 08:37 PM
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Re: Re-adjusting rockers once engine has run

I believe I found my culprit, metal chunks, pieces, etc in my oil. 600+ miles on the motor and something's failed. Leakdown test was horrifying, 3 outta 8 plugs had a gritty soot on them, not the nice tan and heat sig on the electrode of the plug the other 5 did.

The tune was only slightly different than 2 seasons ago when I was 40+mph faster in the trap. TPI383, I would still charge you either way for a .bin file.

Time to pull the engine apart and see what happened.
Old 06-09-2010, 09:51 PM
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Re: Re-adjusting rockers once engine has run

Originally Posted by AC

Time to pull the engine apart and see what happened.
whats the verdict?
Old 06-10-2010, 05:18 AM
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Re: Re-adjusting rockers once engine has run

Nothing yet. I've been in NYC all week on business and won't get home until late Friday. I might be getting to get into it this weekend. I'll post up what I find.
Old 06-10-2010, 07:01 AM
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Re: Re-adjusting rockers once engine has run

wow dude that really sucks. i'm getting ready to build a 383 and i'm nervouse about it already before reading your post. very intrested to see what wrong.
Old 06-10-2010, 04:50 PM
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Re: Re-adjusting rockers once engine has run

I figured it'd happen at somepoint. I did not grow up a gearhead, or an engine builder. I took it on myself to learn on my own. I've built / extensively modified (4) third gens in the last 15 years. This engine is my 3rd enging build, starting from a bare block. Don't be nervous, a 383 with 5-6PSI of boost should be well into the 400 or even 500 range of rwhp and torque. I've seen 408 torque on my 2nd DIY built 383.
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