Roller Rockers

[explorer98]

Can some one tell me the right way to adjust roller rockers on 5.0. I've looked at vids and it seems that everybody has a different way of doing it.

 

[Cam10]

Adjusting roller rockers isn't too much different than the stock setup. Note, the roller rockers that I am familiar with are the single roller with the OE style pivot ball, typical with ford. But the basic idea runs with all rocker styles

The first thing I do is soak them in oil for about an hour. This allows the bearings in all of your arms to become well lubricated prior to installation.

Note*** when you install your rockers, they have to be set to the cam at base circle (zero lift). You can determine base circle by rotating the engine until the lifter next to the one you are working on begins to rise.

Basically install a push rod and rocker onto the head and begin to hand-tighten the nut on the rocker stud. Tighten the nut very gently while spinning the pushrod with your other hand via your thumb and index finger. Stop tightening the nut at the point in which your pushrod just has enough resistance to stop tuning or till it starts slipping in between your fingers. keep in mind that your not using allot of force, be gentle.

This is whats know a zero-lash. The point in which there is now, no longer any vertical play of the pushrod in between the rocker arm and the lifter. From here it gets really simple. With the pushrod set to zero lash, turn your adjusting nut and give it a 3/4 turn. Typical spec for this is 1/2 to a 3/4 turn but because I don't like having to go back and readjusting, give or take, a 3/4 turn is just perfect and there's no harm done.

Now, if your adjusting nut is a two piece with a jam nut, adjusting is the same, just make sure that the jam nut is nice and snug when your done, but not too tight because it can effect your setting and in worst case, you can strip threads.

hope this helps.

 

[explorer98]

Yeah that helps out a lot. Thanks

 

[explorer98]

I guess I have one question. Do you want to do all the intake first and then come back and do the exhaust? I know you do it in the firing order, just want to make sure I do it in the right order.

 

[Cam10]

It doesn't matter which one you do first. just as long as you know that the lifer that your working on is as low on the cam as possible ( as i mentioned in the previous post, you'lll be just fine. Myself, personally I start on one side and just work my way down each bank. rotating the engine as I go. Also make sure you turn the engine clockwise, if you go to set a lifter and you kind of pass the low spot on the cam, dont crank the crank back, always continue rotating the engine in the same direction and come back to it again as you can jump a tooth with your timing chain.

Again, I hope this helps,

Cameron,

 

[jeremysdad]

Will add that this would be the procedure for hydraulic lifters. Solid lifters would be another story.

Just in case someone with solid lifters Googles across this thread randomly. Zero lash with solid lifters would run like crap, and burn valves. lol