C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Rocker stud, nut locks.

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Old Aug 20, 2006 | 10:16 AM
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From: Howard PA
Default Rocker stud, nut locks.

How do you properly lock these down? I'm talking about the nuts that have the allen screw inside to lock them down. We had one come loose on a 383 LT1 we built a while back.

For real I didn't lock them down and can't say for sure my buddy didn't forget to tighten one down fully. It WAS only one that was loose. Scary as hell though, it could have caused major catastophic engine failure.
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Old Aug 20, 2006 | 10:27 AM
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I use a socket allen on a 3/8" drive small breaker. For the nut side of the poly lock I like using a 6 point box end flair wrench.
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Old Aug 20, 2006 | 10:46 AM
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From: Howard PA
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How tight though? Is there a torque spec, generally?
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Old Aug 20, 2006 | 12:34 PM
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Originally Posted by ALLT4
How tight though? Is there a torque spec, generally?
Off the top of my head I don't remember the spec. For the most part aside from AFR head bolts, I use all std. FSM specs. Because of doing rockers enough times it is one of the few places that I use feel and visual. I tighten and also watch the stud deflection, even w/7/16" studs I can see where it begins, and the feel of the lock itself. Sorry for the un-scientific answer.
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Old Aug 20, 2006 | 01:28 PM
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Ehh, oh well, I just think he forgot to tighten that one anyway as it was the only one. Hopefully it doesn't happen again.

Personally I can't see how it would have come loose on its own, the little allen screw tightens down pretty good.
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Old Aug 20, 2006 | 01:38 PM
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Originally Posted by ALLT4
Personally I can't see how it would have come loose on its own, the little allen screw tightens down pretty good.
I either initially didn't get one tight or it came loose, and almost cost me an engine.
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Old Aug 20, 2006 | 04:33 PM
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Originally Posted by STL94LT1
I either initially didn't get one tight or it came loose, and almost cost me an engine.
It is difficult to get a lot of force behind the Allen headed lock screw. After I have the outer, adjusting nut where I want it, I snug down the Allen lock screw. Then while I hold the lock screw snug against the stud, I back off on the adjusting nut a small amount, like a 1/16th or an 1/8th turn. Then I turn both wrenches, together, to reestablish my initial adjustment AND to jam the Allen screw tightly against the stud.

RACE ON!!!
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Old Aug 20, 2006 | 09:23 PM
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Originally Posted by CFI-EFI
It is difficult to get a lot of force behind the Allen headed lock screw. After I have the outer, adjusting nut where I want it, I snug down the Allen lock screw. Then while I hold the lock screw snug against the stud, I back off on the adjusting nut a small amount, like a 1/16th or an 1/8th turn. Then I turn both wrenches, together, to reestablish my initial adjustment AND to jam the Allen screw tightly against the stud.

RACE ON!!!
That's pretty much what he did this time, unknown whether that happened the first time or not.
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Old Aug 21, 2006 | 12:27 AM
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how did you adjust your rocker arms? did you tighten the nut until the pushrods did not spin? if so this is INCORRECT!

tells us the procedure you used and maybe this could be an answer.

Chris
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Old Aug 21, 2006 | 07:27 AM
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From: Howard PA
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Originally Posted by lcvette
how did you adjust your rocker arms? did you tighten the nut until the pushrods did not spin? if so this is INCORRECT!

tells us the procedure you used and maybe this could be an answer.

Chris
Well geeze that pretty easy with those type of nuts and the manifold off. Base circle of cam, spin the nut down with your fingers untill the there's no play in the pushrod. With the intake off you can pretty much see if you're down too far or JUST eliminated the lash to zero. 1/2 turn from there, lock the allen down.

I'd never adjust rockers with that silly spin method. Even when we corrected the loose one the same method was used. Wiggle pushrod up and down 'till zero is found and then 1/2 turn.
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