Who has a proven method of adjusting roller rockers?

[truck-collector]

Hello- I have a 460 in my '67. It has the Edelbrock Performer RPM heads and cam. I have Crane 1.73 roller rockers on it. I need to adjust the rockers, but since Ive never worked on adjustable rockers I would like some advice from those who have. Anyone have a step by step method of doing this? Or even just good advice would be great.

[lee_ford]

Disclaimer: I have never adjusted Roller Rockers, BUT the only difference from the stamped ones is the roller on the tip.

My dad helped me do my first one 40 years ago and I still follow his instructions. On a hydraulic cam you have to take all the slack out of the rocker as opposed to a solid lifter cam which requires a feeler gauge. He said to turn the motor by hand (Large socket on the Crank pulley) and when each valve is in the closed position, adjust each rocker down to just where they did not have any slack. Do not over do this step. A loose rattling rocker at this time is better than over doing it and bending a valve. Once this is done you should be able to start the motor.

Note: This next step might make a mess. So, since getting timing and carb adjusted will take time, have should have your valve covers on until you can start it and let it idle. After that kill it and remove the valve covers.

With the motor idling loosen each rocker until it starts to click. Then tighten it 1/4 turn. Other mechanics have said tighten until it starts to miss then back off a 1/4 turn. As long as ALL rockers are the same it should run smooth. I played with this on my SBF and found my dad’s method gave me a lot more horses. What this is doing is a simple degree adjustment on the cam.

BTW, they do sell clips to fit the top of stamped rockers to lessen the mess but I don’t know about roller rockers. Also if you have an old set of valve covers you can cut the top off of, that can help lessen the mess as well.

Good luck, I hope this helps.

[truck-collector]

Do you need to do this in any particular cyl. order?

[green68250]

Just get number one to TDC (both valves closed) and you can do that method two valves at a time in the firing order.

Corbin

[convincor]

This is written for FE but... same procedure. If you adjust both at TDC you may not be on the base circle of the cam depending on overlap.
http://www.gessford.com/images/mechrockerhydcam.htm

[lee_ford]

The order does not matter, just keep track and be sure to get them all done in the first step BEFORE starting the motor. Take notes or just go down one side then the other or follow the firing order. Once you got it running and are adjusting while at idle then I sometimes do one side with the other valve cover on the other side, kill it, install that sides cover, remove other side, fire it, adjust that side. Keeps the mess down.