Adjusting Rocker Nuts

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kpeters
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Joined: Sun Mar 30, 2014 3:17 pm

Adjusting Rocker Nuts

Post by kpeters »

Hey guys,

Just had one of the rockers on my 2.0 I4 loose and it was making a terrible noise. I took the valve cover apart and started tightening the rocker that came loose but noticed it started pressing on the valve spring.

Question here is how tight should the nuts be and what's the correct procedure to adjust them? I know the car has hydraulic lifters but there has to be a correct procedure to avoid tightening it too hard and burning a valve or an interference problem.

Thanks!
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Rettax3
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Re: Adjusting Rocker Nuts

Post by Rettax3 »

For each cylinder, rotate the engine to TDC on the compression-stroke. Essentially, you don't want any valve-spring pressure pushing against the rocker. Then tighten both rocker-arm nuts to 19-22 foot-pounds of torque. This torque-spec is actually from the Haynes manual for an S-10 2.2, but same engine so the torque should be the same... I don't recall hearing that these tend to work loose, so very odd that you have multiple ones coming loose.
1989 SuperCharged 3800 Srs-II (First)Six-Speed GTU
1990 Turbo 3.4 5-Speed T-Type
1990 4.0L 4-Cam 32-Valve V-8 5-Speed Indy GTi (Project)
1990 Stock(!) 3.1 MPFI Auto Indy
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Koots
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Re: Adjusting Rocker Nuts

Post by Koots »

The 2.0/2.2 OHV's, in some instances, do have a big issue with this. I've never encountered it, but I got rid of any potential problem by running 1.6 full roller rockers and poly-lock nuts :)

I've heard of people double nutting, but it doesn't stop it forever. I think a good way to stop it is to get replacement studs and nuts. If shipping wouldn't double from my location to you, I'd ship you all my old studs and nuts, as they were perfect.
kpeters
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Joined: Sun Mar 30, 2014 3:17 pm

Re: Adjusting Rocker Nuts

Post by kpeters »

Thanks guys I actually "fixed" the problem before I got the replies here (had to get the car running).

According to the haynes and chilton the only thing I needed to do is torque the bolts to 22lbs no turning to TDC or anything they actually come to a stop at about 22lbs exactly.

I just did that and the car is running fine now, thanks a lot!
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