Big Problems W/ Adjustable Rockers... HELP!

[Anonymous]

I got a new set of adjustable rocker arms with pushrods to go on my granada head on 68 200 block. I installed them but now have big probs with adjustment!

I line up the timing marks on the engine and took off the diz cap to find it at #1. I adjust the nuts on the rocker arms for the #1 cyl but there is still slack even when I crank them down all the way. Basically I can not get them tight plus one turn. I run out of thread.

Engine is cold and has not run for several months. Does the engine have to be warm to have the lifters pumped up. Could it be my cam is worn down that much? Engine ran well before just had starting problem and carb issues, so i am switching carbs and heads.

Any help would be great

 

[ricksmol]

Spyke: you hit the nail right on the head...the enginee has to be warm and the lifters inflated. Some people adjust them with the engine running (messy and dangerous-do not try at home-).Otherwise you can't adjust the rockers.Also make sure that the TDC of #1 piston is on the compression stroke.
Rick

 

[addo]

It's also possible you don't have the correct pushrods. Engine shops have a set of pushrod checking tools, to determine the optimum length. A set of custom pushrods is not too dear, and easy to obtain.

Adam.

 

[CobraSix]

Did you just set it at TDC and then adjusted the rockers? If so, that is not the correct way.

You should adjust them in this order.

Start with number one. Slowly rotate the engine until the intake valve just starts to move. At that point, adjust the rocker to zero lash plus 1/2 turn. Then slowly rotate the engine (by hand) until the exhaust valve passes maximum lift and is almost closed again. At that point, adjust the intake valve to zero lash plus 1/2 turn.

The car doesn't need to be warmed up for the first adjustment. After about 500 miles, you'll need to re-adjust when the car is warm.

Let me double check the valve order, I don't want you adjusting them the wrong way, I'll check it when I get home, I may have gotten the intake and exhaust valves mixed up.

Slade