PUSH ROD PROBLEMS
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Joined: Jul 2000
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From: Avondale, AZ
PUSH ROD PROBLEMS
I need to know how to adjust my push rods correctly. I was told that if I removed my valve covers and started the car I could adjust my rods by tightening down on them till they started to skip then backing off a quarter turn. Is that safe? Is there a better way? I am a novice to say the least, and I need a little help.
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1988 Camaro RS
2.8L five speed
1988 Camaro
2.8L automatic
t-tops
160* THERMO
Rapid fire plugs
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1988 Camaro RS
2.8L five speed
1988 Camaro
2.8L automatic
t-tops
160* THERMO
Rapid fire plugs
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Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 19,653
Likes: 309
HIX5K,
Actually, you're adjusting the lash of the entire valve train, not just the push rods.
Whoever gave you the procedure got it a little backward. Once the engine is warmed, remove a rocker cover then restart the engine and allow it to idle normally. One at a time, slightly LOOSEN a rocker arm adjusting nut about 1/8 turn. Wait about three-five seconds, then back off another 1/8 turn. Continue to do so until you can just detect a rattle or clatter at that rocker arm. At this point, TIGHTEN the rocker adjusting nut 1/8 turn, wait 3-5 seconds, tighten another 1/8 turn, wait agin, and repeat this until you have tightened the nut 1/2 to 3/4 turn. Many manuals list the specification at 3/4 to 1 full turn, but I prefer to run them a little less than that to prevent lifter pump-up and valve float at higher RPMs. As long as you make over the 1/2 turn, you should be O.K.
Once you have completed the first adjustment, move on to the next rocker. Continue this until all eight are done. Replace the rocker cover, clean up all the splashed oil, and move to the opposite side of the engine to repeat the procedure on that bank of cylinders.
The whole process should take about twenty minutes, and is a lot cleaner if you have the special clips for the rockers that deflect oil back down onto the rockers instead of letting it spray down the sides of your heads.
When complete, check and adjust the oil level and be on your way. Don't forget to clean up the oil you have dripped on the ground under the engine while you were adjusting.
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Later,
Vader
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"Make Me Bad"
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0
Actually, you're adjusting the lash of the entire valve train, not just the push rods.
Whoever gave you the procedure got it a little backward. Once the engine is warmed, remove a rocker cover then restart the engine and allow it to idle normally. One at a time, slightly LOOSEN a rocker arm adjusting nut about 1/8 turn. Wait about three-five seconds, then back off another 1/8 turn. Continue to do so until you can just detect a rattle or clatter at that rocker arm. At this point, TIGHTEN the rocker adjusting nut 1/8 turn, wait 3-5 seconds, tighten another 1/8 turn, wait agin, and repeat this until you have tightened the nut 1/2 to 3/4 turn. Many manuals list the specification at 3/4 to 1 full turn, but I prefer to run them a little less than that to prevent lifter pump-up and valve float at higher RPMs. As long as you make over the 1/2 turn, you should be O.K.
Once you have completed the first adjustment, move on to the next rocker. Continue this until all eight are done. Replace the rocker cover, clean up all the splashed oil, and move to the opposite side of the engine to repeat the procedure on that bank of cylinders.
The whole process should take about twenty minutes, and is a lot cleaner if you have the special clips for the rockers that deflect oil back down onto the rockers instead of letting it spray down the sides of your heads.
When complete, check and adjust the oil level and be on your way. Don't forget to clean up the oil you have dripped on the ground under the engine while you were adjusting.
------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"Make Me Bad"
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0
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