How tight do solid rockers on a 350 sb have to be? they've loosened up on me and are making a noise and i have to tighten them, i just dont know how much pressure is too much pressure.

 

1/4 turn down from zero lash if they're hydraulic lifters. If they're loosening, run a straightedge along the tops of the rocker studs to see if any studs are pulling out. If so, get them pinned. If not, get new adjusting nuts.

 

So, do i want them to have any "give" when i tighten them? Or do i want them tight enough to where if i try and give them a wiggle with my fingers they wont move? because i could feel the loose ones, but some wouldn't budge when i gave them a little pressure. The studs are deffinatly not pulling out, a buddy of mine was saying that on these engines you may have to tighten the rockers every once in a while.

 

once they're set, they're set forever. That's the whole point of hydraulic lifters. If they're not rollers, and you're not using ZDDP additive, then they're probably loosening up by means of the lobe and lifters wearing way too fast.
The correct adjustment for hydraulics is first make sure the one you're adjusting is on the base of the lobe, opposite the part of the lobe with the mist lift. Then loosen the rocker until you can easily spin the pushrod between thumb and finger. Keep spinning with one hand while slowly tightening with the other. When the spinning becomes difficult, turn the ratchet/socket another 90-180 degrees. then move on to the next one.

 

That makes sense.i'll be attempting this today then. seems like a simple job to get done in an hour or so. thanks

 

bump

 

why bump after 4 hours? especially with no question left unanswered?

 

Sorry, im just kind of new to this stuff and wondering what anyone else has to say, but it might not be the rockers im hearing, i think it may be header gaskets.
So new question....

Should i change the gaskets myself? or would it be better to take it to a shop and have them do it?