Setting up BBC roker arms?

[emshanks]

What is the process for tightening rockers on a BBC?  Someone told me to do it while the engine is running but I think they were screwing with me. :smile24:

 

[TintMan]

What is the process for tightening rockers on a BBC?  Someone told me to do it while the engine is running but I think they were screwing with me. :smile24:

hydraulic, solid or roller lifters? Actually... i've seen guys set all types while running .

 

[SlowRyd]

Well that depends on if the cam is hydraulic or solid,  setting the valves while it is running is old school and messy.

But basically:
when the #1 intake valve starts to close you can set the #1 exhaust
when the the #1 exhaust starts to open set the #1 intake
and so on this method will put you on the backside of the lobe everytime

if the the cam is hydrualic you will adjust the valve to zero lash the go 3/4 of a turn to pre load the lifter.

if the cam is solid you will  set your lash at the setting the cam calls for

 

[Disturbed]

IFit's a solid lifter cam, you can use this method.  Warm the engine first.  When you adjust the exhaust, replace the word 'intake' with 'exhaust'.  :smile29: :smile30:

with #1 cylinder Intake Valve at full valve lift .... Adjust #6 Intake Valve
with #8 cylinder Intake Valve at full valve lift .... Adjust #5 Intake Valve
with #4 cylinder Intake Valve at full valve lift .... Adjust #7 Intake Valve
with #3 cylinder Intake Valve at full valve lift .... Adjust #2 Intake Valve
with #6 cylinder Intake Valve at full valve lift .... Adjust #1 Intake Valve
with #5 cylinder Intake Valve at full valve lift .... Adjust #8 Intake Valve
with #7 cylinder Intake Valve at full valve lift .... Adjust #4 Intake Valve
with #2 cylinder Intake Valve at full valve lift .... Adjust #3 Intake Valve

This works the best for me.  You'll notice that it's the firing order and the adjusted valves are also in firing order sequence just, half way through the order.  This will bring you on the back side of the cam lobe.  Hope this helps. 

 

[SlowRyd]

Modified my post to make it more clear we usethis method because it is the quickest and most accurate as we do not have time to spare at the race track between rounds.

 

[duanehydro]

On mild hydraulic cams you can also set it on #1 TDC and adjust:
1,2,5,7 intake, 1,3,4,8 exhaust
spin it one revolution to tdc #6, and adjust:
3,4,6,8 intake, 2,5,6,7 exhaust
and your done. 1/2 to 3/4 past 0 lash.

Ask 5 people, get 5 answers..lol

 

[SlowRyd]

you know what they say "theres more than one way to skin a cat"  im just lookin to skin that cat the fastest!!!

 

[Patchman]

Is this a new motor, old running motor. Hydraulic or solid? If it is a already running motor with hydraulic cam, no adjustment should be needed. If it is any other option, follow one of the previuos methods mentioned. :smile30:

 

[emshanks]

Sorry, I should have put more detail i my question.  It is a rebuilt 468 BBC,  Th cam is a 583 lift hydro flat tappet.  Thank you all for the great info.  I was really sweatin having to dodge flying oil while I adjust the rockers.  :smile20:

 

[badblood]

I prefer the EOIC method. This works with all cam grinds even 7/4 swaps. You bump the motor over till the exhaust valve just starts to open and that is when you set the intake valve. (on a hyd. cam tighten till you cant spin the push rod by hand then go another 3/4 turn. Then bump the motor over till the intake valve fully opens and begins to close, then set the exhaust valve. repeat this process 7 more times and you will be done. This is an easy method to learn and remember.( Exhaust Opening Intake Closing.) you cant go wrong.

 

[SlowRyd]

Badblood you are correct I had my head up my ass and typed it backwards at first but at any rate the motor will let you know if you are doing it backwards, this is the method I perfer

 

[73 Sanger Flat]

I prefer the EOIC method. This works with all cam grinds even 7/4 swaps. You bump the motor over till the exhaust valve just starts to open and that is when you set the intake valve. (on a hyd. cam tighten till you cant spin the push rod by hand then go another 3/4 turn. Then bump the motor over till the intake valve fully opens and begins to close, then set the exhaust valve. repeat this process 7 more times and you will be done. This is an easy method to learn and remember.( Exhaust Opening Intake Closing.) you cant go wrong.

This is the way I do mine also .