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I an in the process of installing a new set of E street heads on a 350 and everything was going to plan until I tried to install the #1 bolt ( ARP Bolts and washers.) the washer is too large to sit into the pocket The sheet metal shrouds that sit in the posckets do not allow the 0.80" diamenter washers to drop into the bottom. It rides on top of the shrouds if that is correct terminology. Upon further inspection I see the guide plates on 2 other locations to be way out of line. I bought these thinking Edelbrock being a US made product would not give me any issues, so much for that idea.
I guess I will be calling Edelbrock tomorrow. I could gring two flats on the washers so they could fit propwerly but reall hate to bubbaize a new part. Maybe ARP can send me some smaller diameter washers. but then I still need to deal with the guide plates.Sweating in 100deg. weather is so much fun especially in a garage with no fan...don't want to kick up the dust.
Just so you know, the instructions for the heads tell you that you have to clearance the washer for the #1 bolt. It is the only washer you should have to clearance. It provides a picture of how you should clearance it as well.
you have to grind two flats into either side of the washer.
it also says that the pushrod guideplates may have to be adjusted based on your application.
when I installed my estreet heads years ago I also had to clearance the #1 washer and I think I had to adjust only 2 guideplates.
Thanks,
I must have lost the instructions or disregarded them as I do a lot and then I go back and correct. all ways in a hurry to get things done, really bad habit. Anyway thabks for the info.
With two suspect rockers removed, just barely loosen the same rocker studs. Note how the pushrods align with guide plates. Most guide plates have either an oversize hole drilled or are oval in shape. When both INT & EXH pushrods look perfectly aligned snug down the rocker studs. Double check clearance then torque to specs.
I found on my Edlebrock heads I needed to adjust the guide plates when new. Certainly didn't think anything of it. No production assembly worker is going to get them perfect. They are just going to assemble them. It's always up to the engine builder to check and adjust everything. From valve to valve clearance, valve to piston clearance, pushrod length and certainly the adjustment of guide plates.
I'm thinking the OP is expecting to much. And clearly is in to big a hurry. Most of us would never trust a production assembled head. But rather will pull it all apart and check everything.
Adjusting guide plates for proper side to side of the rocker arm is Engine Building 101. Loosen as stated above with the rockers set on and tap with a piece of brass one way or the other until the rocker tip sits square on the tip of the valve.
Did you remove two springs and use light tension springs to check pushrod length? Most of the "street" assembled heads still have a 1.700 installed height but not always.....if it was assembled with a 1.800 setup....you will need a longer pushrod....either way, the standard 7.800 long pushrod is not going to cut it.....they are usually at least 7.850.....pushrod length is critical for long guide life.