roller rocker noise!

[Chevysucks]

i have a 88 lx with a 302 bored to a 306.it has gt-40X heads, frpp x-303 cam, stock intake-upper and lower ported, full length headers, flowmaster 2 chambers,world class t-5.

my rockers are making a tapping noise and you can even hear it outside the car,its more on the passanger side.My dad told me that some people told him that they are supposed to make noise. So my question is Do i have to get new roller rockers or are they fine?
thank you i would really appreciate it if someone has an answer to my question.
keep eatin those heavy chevies

[Chevyguy]

There was a thread a few weeks ago about roller rocker wear. Basically if you have 20,000 - 50,000 miles on those rockers they could be wearing out.

Otherwise if new, maybe they were not adjusted correctly?? They must be tightened down on the base circle of the cam, or maybe with your cam etc the pushrod length is wrong since I assume those are non adjustable rockers. This could give you incorrect lifter preload and noise.

Hope this helps you some

[PKRWUD]

Properly installed and adjusted, roller rockers will be quieter than non-roller rockers. When they start to make noise, they need to be replaced. First verify that they are installed and adjusted correctly, then replace them.

Take care,
-Chris

[86GT]

I've had my Crane RR's on my car for a while now approx 30,000kms. They've made noise from the day I installed them. Even had them checked by a reputable performance shop, and they are adjusted properly. I was told that they were hitting my stock (somewhat clearanced) valve covers and rubbing and that was causing the noise. So I've got a set of tall covers on them now and it still makes noise, albeit not so bad.

I remember reading on the corral site about this being a problem from the factory about needing a shim in the bearing the rocker arm rides on to keep it from walking side to side. This was a while back when I read it tho.

Hopefully you found something meaningful out of my rambling on and on and on and on...

[Chevysucks]

thanks guys for your help with the rocker question. I was thinking that i needed to replace them but i just thought i would ask people who know before i did so.
what are some good roller rockers for stangs,, ive been looking at the cranes ones, ive herd good things about them.

[Mach 1]

Interesting.....my rollers are making noise, and I know they were installed and adjusted properly. They have around 20,000 miles on them. they are ford motorsport 1:6.

Do these things wear out after 20K?

[PKRWUD]

Mach 1-
They can wear out that fast. Were they always noisy, or did the noise develop as they aged?

Take care,
-Chris

[Mach 1]

I think they always made a little noise, and they arent really THAT noisy now, so maybe I dont have a problem. The noise they make sounds normal, not like a extra loud clanking or anything.

Whats the average life expectancy of these things?

I just assumed they would last a long time, being there is mimimal friction since they are all roller.

[PKRWUD]

The opinions vary. Read this thread...

http://forums.mustangworks.com/showt...&threadid=6630

[MikeWeber]

I've had 3 sets (3 different brands) of roller rockers on two sets of heads, one pedestal and one stud mount, and they've all made a slight ticking sound. Some brands seem louder than others, but all were installed correctly and operated without problems. Check installation; if correct, turn the radio up to drown out the sound.

[Mach 1]

I agree. A slight ticking sound is normal for roller rockers, and they should not be quiter than stock steel stamped rockers.

[PKRWUD]

posted by Mach 1:

...and they should not be quiter than stock steel stamped rockers.

You can argue it out with Ford if you like. They claim that "Roller rocker arms are slightly quieter in operation than the sled-fulcrum rocker arms used on H.O. motors" (The Official Ford Mustang 5.0 Technical Reference & Performance Handbook {Ford Racing Part No. M-1832-Z4}, page 220, 5th paragraph). I agree, not because it says so in a book, but because that's been my experience. I've installed at least 50 sets in the past 5 years, and they're always quieter. A slight ticking sound is normal. If they remain at the same volume, you don't have anything to worry about. When they start getting louder, you do. I'm not sure why yours are so loud, but I am yet to hear a set that are in good condition that are louder than stock stamped steel rockers. If I can hear your rockers with the hood shut, they're either worn or installed incorrectly. I haven't been wrong yet. It would be wise to compare one of yours with a new one, and see if there's any noticeable difference.

Take care,
-Chris

[Mach 1]

If a slight ticking sound is normal, then you are saying stock rockers make more noise than a slight ticking sound? Stock rockers are really quiet, and rollers make a "slight ticking", then how are rollers more quiet than stockers?

Oh well, I have a turkey to cook, later.

[PKRWUD]

They don't usually, and by the time the valve cover is back on, they don't, but it really depends on your definition. I consider the the noise made by stock steel rocjers to be a ticking sound. It's not as loud as an exhaust leak or a bad lifter, and no where near the "clattering" associated with a valve with too much play, but there is a noise, and it's louder than rollers. Oil quality plays a role, too, and I always change the customers oil before installing them (and then a few days later as well, but I'm funny that way).

Dude, I don't know. You're a smart man who learns from his own experiences, and I'm not saying your wrong, or that your rockers are bad. I'm just going on what I know. Even if they did crap out at 20k miles, I still think they are worth the investment.

Have a great Thanksgiving!! Really.

Take care,
-Chris

[David Fulford]

I just spent about three days trying to get my 1.6s to be quiet. I even have a valve cover with the top cut off so I can run the motor and adjust them with it running without making a mess. The problem is that before they are loose enough to make the clanking noise, they start sliding to the side. I have installed rockers(non roller) on a chevy before and at the point they start making noise, I tighten them about 3/4 of a turn. Can't seem to make the rollers on my gt40 crate work that way. Will the shims help this and what exactly are they.

[Mach 1]

If you have pedestal mount, you are adjusting them wrong. Dont do it like a 350 chevy. You will probably need a shim kit, and you do it with the motor not running. You also need a torque wrench. You put the roller on the base circle of the cam, and then tourqe the rocker to a certain spec. without going more than one turn, I think. if you have to go more than one or two turns to get the proper torque, then you add shims to get it right.

[Chevyguy]

Sounds like incorrect installation to me as well. To put the pedestal type rockers on you just need to be on the base circle to avoid binding of the pedestal, then torque the bolt down to spec. Any lifter preload has to be taken up with either shims, different pushrod length or adjustable rockers. There is no possible adjustment by the torque of the bolt.

When I worked on my cavalier, I did not even have to rotate the motor, all the rockers bolted back on and compressed the springs on the open valves with no binding.

If this fellow has converted his car to studs and chevy type rockers than he is doing it ok, but it does not sound like that is the case to me!

[David Fulford]

These are the 1.6 pedestal type rockers on gt40 heads. They say they are direct bolt ons but I guess they mean for stock motors. I guess the E-303 cam would change things a little bit.
So when you guys say on the "base circle of the cam" you mean when the valave is completely closed. If not, sorry for the ignorance and could you please elaborate. I know the torque spec for the crane pedestal rockers is 18-20 ft. lbs. The ones I have are the proform rockers from jegs and I can't seem to nail down the torque specs. I'll keep researching. Thanks for the help guys.

[PKRWUD]

Try 25ft.lbs.

Take care,
-Chris