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rocker tapping

Old May 1, 2014 | 09:32 PM
  #1  
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Car: 88 firebird formula
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rocker tapping

OK let me start by saying that I have the old chevy stamped solid rockers. I set the valve lash myself, however it was my first time doing so. I used the faithful eo/ic method to do it. I did it several times for accuracy. However after about 50 miles on the motor one of the rockers seems to be a little bit crooked and has started to tap. Upon removal of the rocker I can see that it is crooked slightly on the contact surface. I guess my question is what might cause it to continually go crooked regardless of adjusment . bad rocker? Bent rod? Improperly adjusted from the start? I'm at a loss hope I gave enough info. Thanks in advance.
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Old May 4, 2014 | 11:43 PM
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Car: 88 firebird formula
Engine: 383 c.I.d carbureted, 670 holley vs
Transmission: 700r4 (for now)
Axle/Gears: stock (for now)
Re: rocker tapping

No love?
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Old May 5, 2014 | 07:15 AM
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Re: rocker tapping

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Old May 5, 2014 | 07:39 AM
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From: indianapolis
Car: 88 firebird formula
Engine: 383 c.I.d carbureted, 670 holley vs
Transmission: 700r4 (for now)
Axle/Gears: stock (for now)
Re: rocker tapping

I can't get it to post my pictures they won't upload because my file size is too big you can't see much on the picture anyway there is a little shiny spot on one side of the surface of the rocker that makes contact with the valve. Simple enough the valve stem should be in the middle of the rocker and its not I don't think a picture will even help I merely wanted a suggestion of what might cause it to happen. Instead I got just what I thought I would some response telling me I didn't post the right thing or not enough info I'm very limited on internet capability. And I'm clearly new to this sight. All I needed was a shot in the dark. Is that so damn hard?
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Old May 5, 2014 | 08:40 AM
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From: indianapolis
Car: 88 firebird formula
Engine: 383 c.I.d carbureted, 670 holley vs
Transmission: 700r4 (for now)
Axle/Gears: stock (for now)
Re: rocker tapping

Let me rephrase (with the information given) do you think it was a matter of something I did wrong. I have never set valve lash before. Or are the chances a little higher that (maybe) the poor workmanship on the factory solid rockers are to blame
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Old May 5, 2014 | 08:56 AM
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Car: 1984 Trans Am L69
Engine: Sniper EFI Powered 355
Transmission: WC T5 w/ Steel Support Plate
Axle/Gears: 3.42 10 Bolt Posi
Re: rocker tapping

Use photobucket to host.

I would pull the pushrod and check it on a flat surface to make sure it is not warped. But my money would be on cheap GM parts, replace the rocker and maybe pushrod and check the valve stem for damage.
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Old May 5, 2014 | 09:06 AM
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From: indianapolis
Car: 88 firebird formula
Engine: 383 c.I.d carbureted, 670 holley vs
Transmission: 700r4 (for now)
Axle/Gears: stock (for now)
Re: rocker tapping

Originally Posted by midias
Use photobucket to host.

I would pull the pushrod and check it on a flat surface to make sure it is not warped. But my money would be on cheap GM parts, replace the rocker and maybe pushrod and check the valve stem for damage.
thank you very much I hate to seem so rude but sometimes a simple question deserves a simple answer thanks for not being an ***.
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Old May 5, 2014 | 12:36 PM
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From: indianapolis
Car: 88 firebird formula
Engine: 383 c.I.d carbureted, 670 holley vs
Transmission: 700r4 (for now)
Axle/Gears: stock (for now)
Re: rocker tapping

Would u care to elaborate slightly on photo bucket like I said I'm new to the site and I'm viewing from a mobile device lol I have idea how to work this stuff
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Old May 5, 2014 | 12:38 PM
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Car: 1984 Trans Am L69
Engine: Sniper EFI Powered 355
Transmission: WC T5 w/ Steel Support Plate
Axle/Gears: 3.42 10 Bolt Posi
Re: rocker tapping

Originally Posted by formulating_88
Would u care to elaborate slightly on photo bucket like I said I'm new to the site and I'm viewing from a mobile device lol I have idea how to work this stuff
www.photobucket.com

Make an account and use it to host your files then use the
Code:
[img] [/IMG]
tags to link images
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Old May 5, 2014 | 09:50 PM
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Car: 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700r4
Re: rocker tapping

Well there are really only a few things that would cause this.
Bent rocker arm.
Bent rocker arm stud.
Bent pushrod.
Bent valve stem (pretty unlikely but possible.
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Old May 6, 2014 | 07:15 PM
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From: indianapolis
Car: 88 firebird formula
Engine: 383 c.I.d carbureted, 670 holley vs
Transmission: 700r4 (for now)
Axle/Gears: stock (for now)
Re: rocker tapping

Just wanted to update a little rolled pushrod on a nice flat surface its definitely not the issue. I'm getting a new set of rockers next week. How would I check to see if the rocker stud is bent? Valve stem and spring are fine. Thinking about some roller tip rockers. Good idea or no?
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Old May 6, 2014 | 08:28 PM
  #12  
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From: indianapolis
Car: 88 firebird formula
Engine: 383 c.I.d carbureted, 670 holley vs
Transmission: 700r4 (for now)
Axle/Gears: stock (for now)
Re: rocker tapping

http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/kp...tml?sort=3&o=0
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Old May 7, 2014 | 03:32 PM
  #13  
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From: indianapolis
Car: 88 firebird formula
Engine: 383 c.I.d carbureted, 670 holley vs
Transmission: 700r4 (for now)
Axle/Gears: stock (for now)
Re: rocker tapping

Any info on checking the stud? Or is it one of those after you replace everything else you know that's the problem kind of things? Don't really want to troubleshoot it and that be the end result. Also any info on the roller tips would be great. Who has the good stuff? Or will any old set suffice? Furthermore is it worth the money to switch them in the first place?
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Old May 7, 2014 | 03:33 PM
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Car: 1984 Trans Am L69
Engine: Sniper EFI Powered 355
Transmission: WC T5 w/ Steel Support Plate
Axle/Gears: 3.42 10 Bolt Posi
Re: rocker tapping

I like comp cams roller tips. Put a metal straight edge across the stud.
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Old May 7, 2014 | 03:36 PM
  #15  
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From: indianapolis
Car: 88 firebird formula
Engine: 383 c.I.d carbureted, 670 holley vs
Transmission: 700r4 (for now)
Axle/Gears: stock (for now)
Re: rocker tapping

Isn't there a few different sizes? What are the specs on the old stamped ones?
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Old May 7, 2014 | 03:38 PM
  #16  
midias's Avatar
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Car: 1984 Trans Am L69
Engine: Sniper EFI Powered 355
Transmission: WC T5 w/ Steel Support Plate
Axle/Gears: 3.42 10 Bolt Posi
Re: rocker tapping

Originally Posted by formulating_88
Isn't there a few different sizes? What are the specs on the old stamped ones?
Probably 3/8 stud 1.5 ratio
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Old May 7, 2014 | 03:43 PM
  #17  
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From: indianapolis
Car: 88 firebird formula
Engine: 383 c.I.d carbureted, 670 holley vs
Transmission: 700r4 (for now)
Axle/Gears: stock (for now)
Re: rocker tapping

Thanks you have been mighty helpful. Sorry for the borrage of questions I just want to make sure everything is done properly I built this motor without fail, until I got to the valvetrain lol
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Old May 8, 2014 | 02:05 PM
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Car: 1987 SC/1985 TA
Engine: 350/vortec/fitech
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt
Re: rocker tapping

It may be a good idea to put a straightedge across all of the studs to ensure that you're not pulling one out.
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Old May 8, 2014 | 05:35 PM
  #19  
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From: indianapolis
Car: 88 firebird formula
Engine: 383 c.I.d carbureted, 670 holley vs
Transmission: 700r4 (for now)
Axle/Gears: stock (for now)
Re: rocker tapping

Originally Posted by naf
It may be a good idea to put a straightedge across all of the studs to ensure that you're not pulling one out.
So you mean lay the straight edge abross the top of all the studs to see if they are all uniform? Would measuring them suffice? Or is the straight edge a better idea. I posted a picture of the rocker don't know if it helps or not
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Old May 9, 2014 | 06:49 AM
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Engine: 350/vortec/fitech
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt
Re: rocker tapping

straight edge is usually just easier, especially when you know which stud is suspect. If it's pulling out it will show pretty simply
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Old May 9, 2014 | 03:25 PM
  #21  
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From: indianapolis
Car: 88 firebird formula
Engine: 383 c.I.d carbureted, 670 holley vs
Transmission: 700r4 (for now)
Axle/Gears: stock (for now)
Re: rocker tapping

Originally Posted by naf
straight edge is usually just easier, especially when you know which stud is suspect. If it's pulling out it will show pretty simply
Update, I pulled off all the rockers on the passenger side and laid a straight edge across them. Stud is not pulling out nor is it bent, as I also checked it vertically with the straight edge. I swapped out the rocker and re done the valve lash, all with no resolve, still tapping. Will a good set of roller tips solve this issue? Or am I just doomed to have a tapper?
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Old May 9, 2014 | 03:52 PM
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midias's Avatar
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Car: 1984 Trans Am L69
Engine: Sniper EFI Powered 355
Transmission: WC T5 w/ Steel Support Plate
Axle/Gears: 3.42 10 Bolt Posi
Re: rocker tapping

Have you tried readjusting while warm?
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Old May 9, 2014 | 06:03 PM
  #23  
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From: indianapolis
Car: 88 firebird formula
Engine: 383 c.I.d carbureted, 670 holley vs
Transmission: 700r4 (for now)
Axle/Gears: stock (for now)
Re: rocker tapping

Originally Posted by midias
Have you tried readjusting while warm?
In all honesty as much as I hate to admit it, I even tried adjusting while it was running however it was not at full temperature maybe 80 or 90 by the gauge. If i put my socket on while running and push it slightly to one side the tap stops. Do you think I should re adjust when hot or buy the rollers? Because the spot that is making improper contact (pictures) would be eliminated by the roller tip
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Old May 9, 2014 | 06:15 PM
  #24  
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From: indianapolis
Car: 88 firebird formula
Engine: 383 c.I.d carbureted, 670 holley vs
Transmission: 700r4 (for now)
Axle/Gears: stock (for now)
Re: rocker tapping

On a side note I have the self aligning rockers so I would assume if I got roller tips I would also need self aligning roller tips? It makes sense to me but I just want to be sure this is my first build I don't want to hillbilly my way through it (hence all the questions)
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