The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop rocker arm installation

I have put the head back on the block. What is the procedure or method for installing the rocker arms? The engine has non-adjustable rockers and hydraulic lifters. Although this is an inline 4 cylinder, I assume that most or all GM engines with this type of valve train have the same re-assembly method. I am looking for some specific directions as I don't have a manual. If there are any recommendations on engine rebuildng and/assembly books specific to GM engines like this, I would be glad to hear them. Thanks for the advice in advance.

oes this engine use the stamped steel rockers with the ball and stud?

It would be a good idea to post what vehicle or engine you a talking about. Don't assume those reading a post remember what you drive.

I don't think Chevrolet ever built non adjustable rockers like Pontiac and Olds.

Dave, This engine has stamped steel rockers. The rocker mounts to a stud with a locknut. A hemispherical disk sits inside the rocker underneath the nut, which allows the rocker arm to pivot. Since it is a locking type nut it is not clear to me how to set zero lash. I also assume that the rockers are installed with the valve in the closed position, that is: the cam position is "off the lobe". Not sure what you mean by "ball and stud". Thanks for your interest.

Baldy, The engine is an Iron Duke which is a Pontiac 151 and used in the 1978-1980 Chevy
Monza. In my case the block is a mercruiser version (3 litre) with the automotive head. It is installed in an old truck. I purposely left this out of the post to keep it simple and try not to confuse people. I won't hold you to keeping track of what I am driving.

Best to all, Michael

Shep,

I think the basic procedure would be to soak the lifters at least a day, submerged in motor oil to pre-fill them.

Install the lifters pushrods and rockers. Leave the rockers loose enough so there is no contact with the pushrod when the lobe is full up.

Rotate the engine however is comfortable for you, and as each pushrod come to full up, tighten that rocker arm to zero lash plus 1/4 turn more.

Hopefully, this will get the engine running after which you will readjust to factory settings. The procedure to adjust when running would be to back the rocker off until it makes noise, tighten to no noise, then further tighten a partial turn dictated by your service manual. I think this is the way it's done!

Stuart

IIRC, that engine started out life as a Chevrolet engine in 1963, so Stuart's suggestion is probably correct. If it were originally a Pontiac design, you would just tighten the nut all the way down. You do have what Dave described as a ball and stud rocker as opposed to a shaft mounted rocker. The reason I requested to know what engine is that different engines are adjusted differently.

You are right when you say the adjustment is made with the valve closed. Tighten the nut down till all play is gone & then tighten it 3/4 of a turn further. Do each one like that & it will be fine.

Thanks Bender, Thats what I will do.

Baldy, The 153 Chevy2 engine from the 60s is a different engine than the late 70s Pontiac Iron Duke engine later used in the 80s Fieros.

Best to all and thanks for the replies, Michael

With the piston around B.D.C. tighten the nut on sthe rocker arm and watch when the valve starts to open, then back it off about 1 full turn. That will put the hydraulic lifter in it's proper travel and you will not have any further adjustment to do, put the valve cover on and you're done.