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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 06:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Cobra4B
^ Not according to the directions that came w/ my YTs. It says nothing about adjusting for wipe, it only speaks of pre-load.

It tells you to firs test w/o shims, if it takes over 1 full turn to get from finger tight to wrench tight then you need the shims.

I still have the paper at home for the exact wording.
Page 3 speaks of wipe on ours. When we shimmed, not only did the wipe center, it narrowed to 0.060" which is about perfect. I had someone else tell me the same thing as you from their YT instructions, wonder if they updated them. They are a fixed fulcrum rocker, pushrod will only determine preload.
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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 07:22 PM
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The wipe pattern will certainly change if you shim the rockers...but so will the ideal pushrod length too....so shimming affects both.

Changing pushrod length, however, won't change the wipe pattern, it will only change the lifter preload.

It would seem logical to check the wipe pattern first, shim the rockers if needed, and then check and size the pushrods to obtain proper preload....yes?

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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 08:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Y2Kvert4me
The wipe pattern will certainly change if you shim the rockers...but so will the ideal pushrod length too....so shimming affects both.

Changing pushrod length, however, won't change the wipe pattern, it will only change the lifter preload.

It would seem logical to check the wipe pattern first, shim the rockers if needed, and then check and size the pushrods to obtain proper preload....yes?

DING DING DING That is correct and a very good description of the methodology of valvetrain geometry (boy thats a mouthful!!)
The "wipe" pattern, or the movement of the roller across the tip, is determined by several things. The most important thing being the fulcrum, or pivot point, in relation to the tip of the valve.
The best way to determine the optimal fulcrum point is with a solid roller lifter and/or checker springs, an adjustable pushrod, a roller tip rocker, and some shims.
But, not to over complicate things, for the most part, on the LSx based motors, with rockers made specific for them, XX amount of preload, combined with an adequate wipe pattern, should yeild a quiet valvetrain.
The most important thing is to make sure you have some preload. That amount can be anywhere from .050 to over .100. Doesnt really matter, as far as 'm concerned. You only need to get the plunger in the middle of its travel.
I've seen em quiet with 1/2 a turn of preload, up to 1.5 turns of preload.

Last edited by edcmat-l1; Aug 24, 2007 at 07:46 AM.
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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 09:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Y2Kvert4me
The wipe pattern will certainly change if you shim the rockers...but so will the ideal pushrod length too....so shimming affects both.

Changing pushrod length, however, won't change the wipe pattern, it will only change the lifter preload.

It would seem logical to check the wipe pattern first, shim the rockers if needed, and then check and size the pushrods to obtain proper preload....yes?

Exactly. In doing so, the wipe pattern needed the shims for correction. As for the method, I used checking springs and a dial indicator rather than turning the motor, much easier since a solid lifter installation on an LSx motor is not possible without pulling the heads.
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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 09:46 PM
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For Deno, sorry I sidetracked your thread, have you checked the pushrod engagement with the rocker? Do your pushrods have a "ball" head or are they straight and then formed to a ball (Stock are ball ends). Some of the straight pushrods will contact the edge of the pushrod cup area on an aftermarket pushrod and this will tick. You may want to pull the HS and check for any indication of contact in the pushrod cup area. I really think you have a valve train geometry issue as opposed to a pushrod length issue that is the cause of your noise. The one video sounds very bad.

Also, which springs are you running and do you have clearance between the spring retainer and the rocker at all points in the rocker sweep?
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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 11:21 PM
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Originally Posted by vettenuts
For Deno, sorry I sidetracked your thread, have you checked the pushrod engagement with the rocker? Do your pushrods have a "ball" head or are they straight and then formed to a ball (Stock are ball ends). Some of the straight pushrods will contact the edge of the pushrod cup area on an aftermarket pushrod and this will tick. You may want to pull the HS and check for any indication of contact in the pushrod cup area. I really think you have a valve train geometry issue as opposed to a pushrod length issue that is the cause of your noise. The one video sounds very bad.

Also, which springs are you running and do you have clearance between the spring retainer and the rocker at all points in the rocker sweep?
No problem with sidetracking the thread...it only help to bring ideas to it from others who had or have this issuse
straight and then formed to a ball << is what I have.
You may want to pull the HS and check for any indication of contact in the pushrod cup area.[COLOR="red"][COLOR="Black"] As I recall but will check again the push rods are in the cup of the rockers.
The springs are the ones that come with the Patriot heads. I'll check the sweep area.
Thanks,
Sleeper

Last edited by SLPRC5; Aug 24, 2007 at 07:55 PM.
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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 11:31 PM
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Originally Posted by The Wrench
Well, Sleeper, the plot thickens!
This is fun, gets my old Retired Engineer juices flowing.

Shimming the pedestal will certainly affect the wipe pattern a bit, as the fulcrum point of the rocker arm is changed. Maybe it's not much, but many of the guys on the Forum have discussed it in relation to the various after-market rockers. I can see it possibly making noise if off a bit. Certainly the wear/stress issue is real if it's not correct.

I guess if it was me, I would first shoot for a verified 0.80 - 0.120 lifter pre-load to start. If in that range, the lifters should be pretty happy.

Then, take a close look at the valve stem wipe pattern to insure it's good.
Others with more experience on the LS1 can correct me, but
on the old engines, we marked the valve stem with a Sharpie, and tried to get the most centered "rub spot" on the valve stem as the rocker arm moved the valve fully up and down.

If I remember correctly, I don't think PR length or lifter pre-load has any affect on wipe pattern; only pedestal ht, cam base circle, and head design/geometry will change these. (and of course, rocker arm design/geometry, if different from stock.)
SON OF A GUN, YOU CHANGED ALL OF THESE!
So, better check that wipe pattern.
Check Comp Cams web site, lots of good "wipe" info there.

So, if the wipe is good and centered on the valve stem, then leave the pedestals alone (or try the pedestals on one set and see how the wipe changes.
Pick the wipe/pedestal combo that looks best.
Then,
Pick the lifter preload you want. (my guess, .100-.120 will be quietest - no flames please.)
Do the math and select the proper PR.

If none of that works, well, re-install the old LS6 cam - ha!

Keep us informed on progress - interesting project.

Cheers,
DG
Well DG...I'm certainly getting an education on this subject and I hope others are picking up on it.
I'll check the wipe pattern...I know it will quiet down after being done correctlt and there will be no need for the ZO6 cam re-install...

Sleeper

Last edited by SLPRC5; Aug 30, 2007 at 02:25 AM.
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Old Aug 24, 2007 | 12:51 AM
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I'm also watching this Deno. I'm not really worried about mine anymore but I may check a few things
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Old Aug 24, 2007 | 12:58 AM
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Originally Posted by mvvette97
I'm also watching this Deno. I'm not really worried about mine anymore but I may check a few things
Very interesting, learning alot. Got the checker ordered and will be looking for the signs mentioned. Got my HS rockers sold and the YT are ordered and on their way.
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Old Aug 24, 2007 | 07:31 AM
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Originally Posted by SleeperC5
straight and then formed to a ball << is what I have.
You may want to pull the HS and check for any indication of contact in the pushrod cup area.[COLOR="red"][COLOR="Black"] As I recall but will check again the push rods are in the cup of the rockers.
The springs are the ones that come with the Patriot heads. I'll check the sweep area.
Thanks,
Sleeper
Deno,

Here are the area's to look at for contact. Contact near the pushrod cup will also shift the pushrod laterally (or try to). Contact near the spring would be due to the large retainer on a dual spring. Since the HS rockers are anodized, you should see something just by inspection.

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Old Aug 24, 2007 | 07:42 AM
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Originally Posted by vettenuts
Exactly. As for the method, I used checking springs and a dial indicator rather than turning the motor, much easier since a solid lifter installation on an LSx motor is not possible without pulling the heads.
This is true. And I forgot to list checking springs. They def make life much easier, esp with hyd lifters. Will go back and edit post.
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Old Aug 24, 2007 | 09:02 AM
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I'm confused... the YT directions specificaly say the shims are to be used if proper pre-load cannot be achieved w/o them. It says nothing of wipe pattern other than to check it.

It makes sense that shimming the rockers would change the fulcrum point and therefore adjust wipe patter on the valve tip... but LS1howto and YT said otherwise.

I did run the motor up and down when I had them in to check them, but had no sharpie etc. The motors been running great for 7k since cam install etc... should I get in there and do a closer check?
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Old Aug 24, 2007 | 09:15 AM
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OK: I thought about this for a bit. The shims may affect wipe pattern, but they most definately affect pre-load as YT says they will.

If you tighten the rocker arm finger tight to zero lash, then it takes over 1 turn to get wrench tight you are putting too much pre-load on the lifters.

If you install the shim, you have moved the rocker arm up slightly. So from zero-lash to wrench tight will take less turns and put less pre-load on the lifter.

Makes sense in my head... correct me if I'm wrong. Shimming may indeed affect wipe, but it's primary application is to reduce pre-load. Obviously, this would also be affected by PR length.
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Old Aug 24, 2007 | 12:06 PM
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Hey Deno, your rockers are not adjustable are they? Also the drawing that vettenuts drew out is the contacy problem just on the yellow T rockers or is it also on the stockers?
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Old Aug 24, 2007 | 12:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Cobra4B
OK: I thought about this for a bit. The shims may affect wipe pattern, but they most definately affect pre-load as YT says they will.

If you tighten the rocker arm finger tight to zero lash, then it takes over 1 turn to get wrench tight you are putting too much pre-load on the lifters.

If you install the shim, you have moved the rocker arm up slightly. So from zero-lash to wrench tight will take less turns and put less pre-load on the lifter.

Makes sense in my head... correct me if I'm wrong. Shimming may indeed affect wipe, but it's primary application is to reduce pre-load. Obviously, this would also be affected by PR length.
I view it opposite, shims will set the wipe pattern. Once set, measure for pushrod. However, using the shims will definitely affect pushrod length. We measured this morning and he needs a 7.475 or 7.500" pushrod to get the correct preload. So to say the least, we are at all stop
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Old Aug 24, 2007 | 01:29 PM
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^ That is why YT's instructions avoids that part... shimming the rocker up would move the wipe pattern "back" toward the manifold right?

It makes sense to set that then get proper pushrods, however, assuming your pushrods are of acceptable length, as mine were, adding the shims would get you less pre-load, as shimming lessense the distance the rocer arm unit can move dowm when going from zero lash to wrench tight.
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Old Aug 24, 2007 | 02:05 PM
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Originally Posted by vettenuts
I view it opposite, shims will set the wipe pattern. Once set, measure for pushrod. However, using the shims will definitely affect pushrod length. We measured this morning and he needs a 7.475 or 7.500" pushrod to get the correct preload. So to say the least, we are at all stop
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Old Aug 24, 2007 | 02:10 PM
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Originally Posted by mvvette97
Hey Deno, your rockers are not adjustable are they? Also the drawing that vettenuts drew out is the contacy problem just on the yellow T rockers or is it also on the stockers?
No Marc my HS rockers are non adjustables. Vettenutts will have to answer that for you.
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Old Aug 24, 2007 | 02:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Cobra4B
^ That is why YT's instructions avoids that part... shimming the rocker up would move the wipe pattern "back" toward the manifold right?

It makes sense to set that then get proper pushrods, however, assuming your pushrods are of acceptable length, as mine were, adding the shims would get you less pre-load, as shimming lessense the distance the rocer arm unit can move dowm when going from zero lash to wrench tight.
Does the new type YT even come with shims? My checker tool hasn't come yet so I'm not sure where I stand on the PR lenght.
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Old Aug 24, 2007 | 02:25 PM
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Hey Sleeper - Its my car that Vettenuts is working on and Yes the shims were in the package(.045 thick). I just ordered my 7.500 p.rods.
When we put the shims in the wipe moved about 1/32" to center and is now dead on. That caused the the need for extra lenght rods.
It will be fun to see who gets all this right first.
Good luck

BTW I have sent Vettenuts to the beach for some R & R which he really needs after all this.

Last edited by 04BlueGoose; Aug 24, 2007 at 02:27 PM. Reason: add info
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