more lifter preload questions

matt cook · 04-27-2002, 03:29 PM

I put my crane 1.7 roller rockers on this AM - all went on fine, no problems, except...

all of the intakes adjusted perfectly, I reached 20ft lbs consistently at 1/2 turn of the torque wrench, but on all of the exhausts, at 20ft lbs, the pushrod was still a little loose, very little, but still spinnable when on the base circle of the cam.

per the instructions, I need longer pushrods, but could this be because the car has not been run in months, and the lifters (flat tappet) are bled down. This car has not been cranked since October.

The car has 113,000 miles on the short block, and most of the lifters are stuck in their bores - so I did not bother with taking them out to pump them up.

Once I get it together, should I just spin it with the starter (w/ no spark plugs so it will spin fast) to get the lifters pumped up, and then re-adjust, or what...

matt cook · 04-28-2002, 03:12 PM

just wanted to learn how to attach...

Old Guy with 87 GT · 04-28-2002, 07:25 PM

sounds like you might need longer push rods

i'm not an expert but i just installed 1.7s last week.....according to crane when installing there rockers you should have at least a quarter turn from the point when the pushrod contacts the rocker till you get to the rated torque ....
i'm not sure but i think the flatened lifters won't change the preload that much ..the push rod should become tight at around a quarter turn 'before' you reach the torque rating to get the proper preload

matt cook · 04-28-2002, 07:59 PM

here is the background on this issue/question...

http://forums.mustangworks.com/showt...lifter+preload

re-reading this, it seems to imply that I just torque the bolt down to 20 ft pounds and run it...

I have read things along these lines:

PRECAUTION: If you have an older high mileage engine that the lifters bleed off pressure (drain the oil out of). You can improperly adjust your valves. You need oil in the lifters to be able to get an accurate setting. If you repeatedly adjust the valves this way and they are still not correct, you probably have lifters bleeding off during adjustment.

please, more thoughts and experiences.

thanks,
Matt

matt cook · 04-29-2002, 02:23 PM

please, I'm dyin' here...

DRASTiK · 04-29-2002, 04:08 PM

well it's your call. If I were you, and my budget permitted it, I'd go buy new lifters if they are original. That may or may not fix your problem. Being the cheapskate that I am, instead of buying new pushrods right now, I'd just tighten down the rocker until you can't turn the pushrod with your fingers, then go another 1/4 to 1/2 turn and see how it runs.

BUT, I just read your other thread and you're using pedestal mount rockers, which I've never used so my opinion probably isn't going to help you out too much. I've always used stud mount rockers.

Dave

Mach 1 · 04-29-2002, 11:40 PM

I dont think you have anything to worry about. Even after adjusting them normally, they become loose (spinable) after a few minutes. Thats normal. Fire it up!

LX XLR8R · 04-30-2002, 10:19 AM

if you have nonadjustable pedistal mount rockers then the only way to tighten it is to get new pushrods(permitting your lifteres are good)
i assume your are NOT using any of the shims in the kit for they are only to use when the rod is too tight..
im with mach 1 on this one though..as long as there is not up/down play in the pushrod then it shold be kosher

PKRWUD · 05-01-2002, 05:20 PM

Pull the distributor and turn the oil pump with a drill until you have oil reaching every rocker, then check the play again.

Take care,
-Chris

Stang Runner · 05-02-2002, 08:48 AM

I see you have Mac headers!!!! i can tell by all the rust......I hate them.......SS next time

04-27-2002, 03:29 PM	#1
matt cook Registered Member Join Date: Dec 1998 Location: Richmond, Virginia Posts: 449	more lifter preload questions I put my crane 1.7 roller rockers on this AM - all went on fine, no problems, except... all of the intakes adjusted perfectly, I reached 20ft lbs consistently at 1/2 turn of the torque wrench, but on all of the exhausts, at 20ft lbs, the pushrod was still a little loose, very little, but still spinnable when on the base circle of the cam. per the instructions, I need longer pushrods, but could this be because the car has not been run in months, and the lifters (flat tappet) are bled down. This car has not been cranked since October. The car has 113,000 miles on the short block, and most of the lifters are stuck in their bores - so I did not bother with taking them out to pump them up. Once I get it together, should I just spin it with the starter (w/ no spark plugs so it will spin fast) to get the lifters pumped up, and then re-adjust, or what... __________________ 1982 Mustang GT

04-28-2002, 03:12 PM	#2
matt cook Registered Member Join Date: Dec 1998 Location: Richmond, Virginia Posts: 449	bump... just wanted to learn how to attach... __________________ 1982 Mustang GT

04-28-2002, 07:25 PM	#3
Old Guy with 87 GT Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Posts: 379	sounds like you might need longer push rods i'm not an expert but i just installed 1.7s last week.....according to crane when installing there rockers you should have at least a quarter turn from the point when the pushrod contacts the rocker till you get to the rated torque .... i'm not sure but i think the flatened lifters won't change the preload that much ..the push rod should become tight at around a quarter turn 'before' you reach the torque rating to get the proper preload __________________ the "not so old",old guy 87 Mustang GT T-top >hanlon t-5, pro 5.0, centerforce clutch ,adj. cable/quatrant ,3.27s ,full 2 1/2 ex(off road H) adj. reg. ,e-cam ,70mm TB, cobra intake ,1.7rr ,ported/milled e7ets w/crane springs ,306 balaced/decked short block w/speed pro forged flat top pistons ...257rwhp/302rwt best et 13.7@102 (4/11 ) '80 Capri (future project,currently collecting parts for 351 moter)

04-28-2002, 07:59 PM	#4
matt cook Registered Member Join Date: Dec 1998 Location: Richmond, Virginia Posts: 449	thanks here is the background on this issue/question... http://forums.mustangworks.com/showt...lifter+preload re-reading this, it seems to imply that I just torque the bolt down to 20 ft pounds and run it... I have read things along these lines: PRECAUTION: If you have an older high mileage engine that the lifters bleed off pressure (drain the oil out of). You can improperly adjust your valves. You need oil in the lifters to be able to get an accurate setting. If you repeatedly adjust the valves this way and they are still not correct, you probably have lifters bleeding off during adjustment. please, more thoughts and experiences. thanks, Matt __________________ 1982 Mustang GT Last edited by matt cook; 04-28-2002 at 08:25 PM..

04-29-2002, 02:23 PM	#5
matt cook Registered Member Join Date: Dec 1998 Location: Richmond, Virginia Posts: 449	please, I'm dyin' here... __________________ 1982 Mustang GT

04-29-2002, 04:08 PM	#6
DRASTiK Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Yuma, AZ Posts: 536	well it's your call. If I were you, and my budget permitted it, I'd go buy new lifters if they are original. That may or may not fix your problem. Being the cheapskate that I am, instead of buying new pushrods right now, I'd just tighten down the rocker until you can't turn the pushrod with your fingers, then go another 1/4 to 1/2 turn and see how it runs. BUT, I just read your other thread and you're using pedestal mount rockers, which I've never used so my opinion probably isn't going to help you out too much. I've always used stud mount rockers. Dave __________________ Dave 88 GT - 13.4@106 on street tires (2.2 60ft) My Stang RHC member #75 My stang is FOR SALE!!

04-29-2002, 11:40 PM	#7
Mach 1 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Location: Georgia Posts: 3,866	I dont think you have anything to worry about. Even after adjusting them normally, they become loose (spinable) after a few minutes. Thats normal. Fire it up! __________________ 2002 GT 1993 GT (SOLD) '93 Mustang GT RHC member #142

04-30-2002, 10:19 AM	#8
LX XLR8R Dirk Diggler Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: SLOATSBURG, NY Posts: 1,931	if you have nonadjustable pedistal mount rockers then the only way to tighten it is to get new pushrods(permitting your lifteres are good) i assume your are NOT using any of the shims in the kit for they are only to use when the rod is too tight.. im with mach 1 on this one though..as long as there is not up/down play in the pushrod then it shold be kosher __________________ 95 undecided cubes, AFR 185s,undecided cam, undecided intake, and a 150 hit 89 "turbonotch" 2.3T You might want to hold on..i saw this on a cartoon once

05-01-2002, 05:20 PM	#9
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	Pull the distributor and turn the oil pump with a drill until you have oil reaching every rocker, then check the play again. Take care, -Chris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

05-02-2002, 08:48 AM	#10
Stang Runner Registered Member Join Date: Jun 1999 Location: Walker, MI, USA Posts: 1,202	I see you have Mac headers!!!! i can tell by all the rust......I hate them.......SS next time __________________ Engine: steel mounts, Under drive pulleys, K&N, GT-40 Intake ported Lower, No power steering, No A/C, Mac cold intake, 65MM TB, 255 Fuel pump, 24's, AFR 165 58cc, Rocker Arms 1.7with the stock Cam, 1 5/8 short headers, offRoad X-pipe Drive Train: 3.55, T-5 with a Pro 5.0 shifter 12.656@107.71MPH See It at www.T-racing.com/mustang.htm

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
What is a lifter?	SoulKeeper	Modular Madness	7	05-09-2003 10:49 AM
Lifter help please...	Falcons Talon	Windsor Power	11	09-11-2002 04:15 PM
Several questions about oil.	zepherman	Windsor Power	3	08-03-2002 06:59 AM
Adjusting RR's	Fostang	Windsor Power	1	05-09-2002 09:29 AM
Problems with preload on 1 lifter, what to do?	Killercanary	Windsor Power	3	04-27-2002 07:27 AM