noisy valve train

[Asa]

starting to get a light tapping from the valve train, i know what it is, and what i can do to get rid of it, but i can't seem to fix it

on the rocker assembly, the bolts seem to like to work themselves loose, and eventually the pushrod starts tapping on the rocker arm
i always stopped it by torquing it down to spec (been a while since i've done it, but i want to say 20-25 ft-lbs), but what exactly do i need to do to fix it permanently?
back when i was driving her regularly, she'd do this 'bout every 4-6 months

i'd guess that new bolts (would grade 8 be necessary?), and either some lock washers, or some hardened washers would be all that i'd need

thoughts?

 

[Anonymous]

set em and mig weld em solid. or set em n drill a hole n stick cotter pins in em to keep em there, im gettin tired of the lil things that make ya scratch ur head in the night lol redi weld in the threads or loctite might help to

 

[Asa]

i'll try the loctite
rather not mig weld 'em on there though... that might be a bit much...

 

[pedal2themetal45]

Yea I would use lock-tite as well or get some lock washers.. or nuts
tim

 

[addo]

Generally speaking, the bolts are harder than the head parent material. Your head threads are going to wear/fail before the bolt threads show deterioration. Loctite and correct torque are your best friends in this one.

 

[Asa]

i'll get ahold of some then

thanks all

 

[Anonymous]

The correct torque is 30 - 35 ft lbs and tighten them from the middle out