MotorHead

Put the new Sportsman II heads on the motor is running great. Quite a difference in power especially over 3000 RPM. It just takes off and the sound from the mufflers is much louder than before when you go WOT.

I have developed a ticking in one of the valves so I cut a long slot in one of my old valve covers so I can put it on and not get any oil on the headers.

MY question is how much of a turn do you go after you get rid if the ticking.
Hydraulic lifters 1/4 1/2 or 1 turn ?

PatsLs1vette

i do 1/4 turn some guys do 1/2 turn, see who else responds and see.

joeveto

I do it by ear. A quarter turn should be enough. But I like to listen to the sound of the engine. The idle will drop if you go too far. You want to remove the lash without imparting a negative effect on the idle quality.

Good luck!

bigvette1

What does the manufacturer of the lifers say? Generally 1/4 turn will give you somewhat higher RPM's. One turn was what GM recommended which was really a failsafe to prevent valve float. I have always used 1/2 turn and not had any trouble.

Rockn-Roll

It depends on the lifters and their condition...did you check them for flatness? If they are concave from being worn out then you should have replaced them so you can use manufacturers specs. But, if you didn't then you should NOT use manufacturers specs, but somewhat less. The specs account for wear so you don't have to adjust them for the life of the engine. If you add lock nuts you can adjust it until it stops ticking then only 1/4 turn, but with stock nuts I would go to at least 1/2, but no more than 3/4.

MotorHead

Thanks guys, I have the lock nuts and they are the old lifters. It looks like a quater turn.
I remember trying this before and I gave up because I couldn't hear anything because of the noise coming from the engine. Any suggestions
turning the idle way down ? etc

Corellian Corvette

I believe the factor specs at 1 full turn from 0 lash. I think that Lars recomends 1/2 turn.

Pedro'74

I think I'll be trying this procedure pretty soon. Is it easy (obvious) to identify the exact point when the rocker stops/starts ticking, or is it something subtle, that requires some "experienced ear"?

Thanks,
-Pedro

Corellian Corvette

Oh you'll know. Back the nut off and the thing will start clattering LOUD. Slowly turn just until the clattering stops. Then, give it 1/2 more turn. Move on to the next one. It takes about 5 min per side.

Pedro'74

Thanks, Albert!

Sounds like a good plan! Now I'll just have to find some junk covers which I can cut.

-Pedro