Ok: My valvetrain is making noise after my cam swap. tick tick tick

What is the natural movement of a distributor? Mine was loose but I didn't check the timing. If it got off by 10+ degrees in whatever direction it would want to go, would that cause it to make noise?

Also, how do I know if a rocker arm is too loose, too tight, or just right?

Sam

 

If they tick, they're too loose. If you are getting a dead miss on one or more cylinders you have them down too far and are "hanging" a valve open even when it should be closed.

Bt far the easiest way to adjust (hydraulic cam) rockers is to get an old valve cover, cut the top off it, install "rocker arm clips" to keep oil from spraying all over and adjust them by ear- back off until it clicks, tighten until it stops, turn down another 1/2 turn and you're done.

 

OK, I found the clips to get and it sounds like a plan...BUT:

Where can I find a valve cover by Friday for cheap??? Anyone in Houston or Austin have an extra I can use?

Sam

 

It can be done without using a cut open valve cover. Just check your oil when you're done, lol.

 

Pick one off a junkyard motor. That's your cheapest route.

Doing it without the modified valve cover will result in a LOT of oil going over the lip of the valve deck onto the exhaust, even with the clips.

If you can't find a valve cover in time you can.......I hesitate to say I've done this........ drive the car onto the side of a relatively steep hill, to lean the whole car to one side and keep most of the oil from splashing off the valve deck. Yes, I've done it in a pinch. Do everything you can to get the valve cover, though, OK?

 

I usually have a friend hold a piece of cardboard to act as a wall along the head where the oil will spill. The head should not fill with oil unless you have drain back issues.