Valve Adjustment
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 31
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From: Palm Harbor Florida
Valve Adjustment
I did a search for how to adjust the valves on a 2002 standard coupe, I assume LS-1 engine. I have one rocker tapping on the left bank and I'm old small block school where you loosen them up til they rattle then take the lash out and go 3/4 turn more. I'm taking it in to have it looked at and I'd like to be reasonably intelligent if they tell me that Mercury is in Retro and they have to hire a witch doctor to adjust the rockers
. Input appreciated.
BTW mileage is only 35k if that makes a diff. Thx.
. Input appreciated.BTW mileage is only 35k if that makes a diff. Thx.
Last edited by loboslanding; Oct 31, 2013 at 07:34 PM.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 666
Likes: 11
From: Lafayette Louisiana
I did a search for how to adjust the valves on a 2002 standard coupe, I assume LS-1 engine. I have one rocker tapping on the left bank and I'm old small block school where you loosen them up til they rattle then take the lash out and go 3/4 turn more. I'm taking it in to have it looked at and I'd like to be reasonably intelligent if they tell me that Mercury is in Retro and they have to hire a witch doctor to adjust the rockers. Input appreciated. BTW mileage is only 35k if that makes a diff. Thx.
. Input appreciated. BTW mileage is only 35k if that makes a diff. Thx.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Look at EACH valve spring and see if any of the spring coils are broken
Look at each rocker and see if the roller bearings for the rocker TRUNNIONs are puked out. The rocker will twist left and right on the bolt if they are missing.
Make sure that the push rod is not bent Twist it when the rocker is not depressing the valve open. See if you can detect ANY wobble.
The valve cover gasket are reusable as long as you don't get any solvent on them.
Bill
Look at each rocker and see if the roller bearings for the rocker TRUNNIONs are puked out. The rocker will twist left and right on the bolt if they are missing.
Make sure that the push rod is not bent Twist it when the rocker is not depressing the valve open. See if you can detect ANY wobble.
The valve cover gasket are reusable as long as you don't get any solvent on them.
Bill
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 31
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From: Palm Harbor Florida
Rocker
That's more really good advice and input. I did read on one of the sticky's about buying a used C5 that valve springs were a problem so thanks for the heads up. I'll quiz the mechanic to see if he knows to look for these things; if not then I got the wrong guy.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 666
Likes: 11
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Last bit of advice- I'd toss the stock pushrods as well. Even without driving hard they've been known to bend. They're spaghetti noodles at best. Stock length Comp should fit the bill nicely, and they're chromoly.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 31
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From: Palm Harbor Florida
Springs
Guys can they replace the springs with the heads on? We used to put 125 psi air in thru the spark plug hole on compression stroke and that held the valves in place while changing springs...is that still done these days??
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 31
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From: Palm Harbor Florida
T Rex
Well, it's good to see that some old dinosaur technology still exists. Before I go see them I'll price springs, seals and push rods so I know the approx cost. Thanks.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 31
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From: Palm Harbor Florida
$pring$
I just went to the Summit site and spring kits for an LS1 ranges from $400 to $600 including seals, seats, retainers, etc. Pretty pricey. I'll call a couple local parts houses and check pricing for OEM parts..
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 666
Likes: 11
From: Lafayette Louisiana
http://www.texas-speed.com/p-1383-ls...od-to-550.aspx
$79.99 for the set of LS 6/3 valve springs.
http://www.texas-speed.com/p-2236-pr...lve-seals.aspx
$1.75 each, need 16.
http://www.texas-speed.com/p-278-tex...-pushrods.aspx
$109.99
You'll reuse your spring retainers and locks. No need to change them out.
Again, these parts are considering your car (cam) is stock and intend to keep it that way.
No need to pull heads for this. Take off the coil packs/bracket, pull valve cover, pull plugs, insert spark plug air tool (or go to TDC and put a bit of rope through the spark plug hole) and remove the rocker arm bolt, remove rocker arm, pull out pushrod, replace pushrod.... You get the idea. It's really easy.
Last but not least you might want to consider replacing the rocker arms with a trunion upgraded batch. It's no fun when a stock one pisses sixty-some-odd needle bearings throughout your motor. And it happens to stock cars as well...
They're around 250ish for a set of 16 that have the upgraded trunions, i.e. Fully caged and encapsulated needle bearings.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Check out the COMP CAMS Trunion up-grade kit:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/310421683906?lpid=82
Easily done at home with a small press or even with a vise and some deep well sockets!
Bill
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/310421683906?lpid=82
Easily done at home with a small press or even with a vise and some deep well sockets!
Bill
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Palm Harbor Florida
springs
Thanks guys. Hey doc will those LS 6/3 springs fit the LS 1 okay? Yes it's stock and I plan on keeping it that way. I'm 59 and plan on aging naturally; I had my speed fun with my old Vipe and 350HP Boss Hoss bike so I'm settling down...enuf rear enders and endos. Thx again.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 666
Likes: 11
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Thanks guys. Hey doc will those LS 6/3 springs fit the LS 1 okay? Yes it's stock and I plan on keeping it that way. I'm 59 and plan on aging naturally; I had my speed fun with my old Vipe and 350HP Boss Hoss bike so I'm settling down...enuf rear enders and endos. Thx again.