OK quick run down. Had broken rocker stud (3/8"). Upgraded to (7/16"), and went to 1.52 comp cams pro mag. RR. Had 1.6 raio, found springs could not handle it. Heads are base AFR 190.

Problem is I can't get a set of valve covers to fit. I got some Edelbrock covers because they have some extra room with no drip tabes. I didn't really want to grind on my stock units. After putting some clay inside the covers I found that the center bolt gudie boss/support was hitting the trunion (spelling?). The same for the stock covers. I decided to grind on the stock covers. I cut the boss and the drip tabs out and the covers still do not fit.

The valve cover is hitting the rocker adjuster nut. I did some measuring and found that the studs alone sticks up almost as high as the valve cover is high. As do the studs that came with the heads. They are both the same length. With the rockers adjusted/installed, the covers are not tall enough.
What could be the problem? Before buying these parts I talked to several people running the same or very close to the same thing/setup. They all seemed to have very little in the way of problems with their valve covers fitting these rockers.

Could push rods cause a problem? How do I check length? Do I need to just go with taller valve covers? I was thinking different rockers, but all the brands seem to come with the same style adjusting nut. Which means the nut will still be in the way as it is now.




[Modified by 88_vette, 9:28 PM 3/4/2002]

 

Brian,

I need to come out and look at this one.....I had those exact same parts and no problem what so ever. Not to mention alot of guys here have the same stuff. Shoot me an email off the list and we will get together and figure this one out.

 

I know this is NOT the right way to do it, but as a stop gap, untill you figure it out, if its real close can you get by with using two gaskets ?

 

are you adding the gasket thickness?????????
they make thicker gaskets too, fel-pro# 1604 is 5/16" thick (cork with steel core) it would probably compress to 1/4" after torqueing down.
RJ

 

Thanks Lee,

I hate for you to drive out here, but I think I could use any help I can get at this point. Just what you said about a lot of people running this setup with no to little mods needing to be made. I'll send ya a e-mail.

Red96 coupe:

Yeah if I doubled up on the gasket I could get it to work I think. We are talking thousands" here.

Which brings up another thought. Could I just not have them adjusted right? Maybe not tightened anough? I've always be crappy at adjusting valves. Here is what I did.

Of course with the engine in the correct timing. I adjusted the to the point that the slop/play was gone from the pushrod. I then tightened up about 1/4 of a turn. The reason I did not tighten much more is I could see the push rod, and rear of the rocker go down as I tightened. I didn't want to have the lifters pump up and cause problems from over tightening. To add to this freak thing I have the cover will go on and bolt up with not so good a seal with I take the #2 set of rockers off. Yeah the rest 4-8 set of rockers the cover will what appears to be sealing. I did line the top of the cover with a thin layer of clay and when I took it off I could see the impressions of the adjuster nuts.

 

Hello Bryan:
Long time since I've heard from you. I had tthe same problem with my AFR's & the stock valve covers (LT-1's). The AFR's have extra material around the edge that prevented my stock valve covers from fitting. I purchased Moroso center bolt covers & had to grind the center extensions (where the bolts fasten the cover to the heads) because of them hitting the rocker's. After solving that, I had to use two valve cover gaskets for each side because with my 1.6"s R/R, they too was hitting. The worse thing about it it getting the two gaskets to stay together & sealed. It's a PITA but it works. Had to put breathers in the two valve covers to relieve some of the pressure but it works.
Hope you come up with a solution. The Eldelbrock covers sould be as tall or alittle taller than your stockers. You should be able to make it work with your 1.6 RR.

Gene

 

Thanks guys,

Gene it's great to hear from ya. Long time no talk. Hope all is well. How is the car these days?

Double up on the gasket. Ouch that does sound like a PITA. The one is hard enough, although I got a new set today and they have little keeper tabs on them. Helps hold it in.

What do you guys think about just going with 5/16 taller valve covers. I checked the clearance with the wiper motor and what not. It's all good. 5/16 is about a 1/4 higher not much but enough I think. Plus I think the superram will still cover it.

 

Is the rocker the highest part of the head right now? Or is the rocker stud?

If its the stud, are you sure you've got it all the way screwed in?

If its the rocker, then you need to adjust more.

First of all, the system has to be pressurized, when is the last time it was run? The pressure may have bled out of the lifters. You'll probably have to pull the distributor to run the oil pump if this is the case. To torque the rockers, the lifter has to be in the closed position. Tighten until the pushrod won't spin anymore in your finger, then go another half turn. At half turn, you won't hurt anything. This is the beauty of hydraulic lifters, you can be far from perfect and they'll still work.

Hope this helps! Good luck getting her running.

 

The car has not been run in about a month or more. So the lifters are dry so to speak. i didni't think a non pumped up lifter made a difference as long as you went back and adjusted them again after running it?

 

Hello Bryan:
Things have been good lately. If you read my signature, you'll see that I've changed rear gears due to totally destroying my stock gears with E/T STREETS. I'm waiting to try them out at the track soon.

Taller valve covers should do the trick. I tried to do the same with mine except my alternator had interference with the valve cover. So I doubled the gaskets.
We'll have to get together someday soon. I pass the shop all the time but dont see your car out their so I don't stop. Take care & talk to you later


Gene

 

I just wanted to let you know I'm not ignoring your question towards me, I could be mistaken. I thought they had to be primed though...

There is nothing stopping you from startin the car with the valve-covers off, right? That might help.

Before you do anything, get more confirmation, I've only done this once, and although I'm pretty sure its right, it might not be.

 

I didn't think you were putting me off noworries. I work for a computer company so I have access to the forum all day. Not every does.

I think you can adjust the rockers dry just have to be careful not to over tighten and bottom out the lifter, or when it trys to pump up it will bend the pushrod, so as you stated it would be best to have them pumped up to start with.

Gene I heard about hte rear end. I'm sorry to hear, but that always means better things overall. How does it feel with the new gears in? I still need gears myself. I'm running the 2.59 still. I know I know guys don't pick on me to much. We will have to get together sometime for sure. You should really come out to a hooters run.