valve adjustment
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valve adjustment
I have 87 bronco with 351w and the top end of the motor went. I decided to redo the motor and my question is, if I install a performance cam and lifters can i adjust the valves with the stock rockers. Ive been told the only way you can adjust the valves is to install oversized pushrods. Can I adjust them the way you could the old 289 or 302. Or do i have to change the rocker arms. I would appreciate any help I can get
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
valve adjustment
Please define "adjusting" the valves. If you mean setting the lash, then you'll have to use screw-in stud-mounted rocker arms, like they had on the 289 Hi-Po heads. Otherwise, you have non-adjustable rockers which just bolt down with a factory-set lash. You can have non-adjustable rockers converted to stud mount (adjustable) rockers by having the heads machined to accept the studs, which is relatively inexpensive and easy if you have the heads off the motor. If you do that, you will have to buy aftermarket roller rockers. TK
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Freshman User
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valve adjustment
I used to adjust the valves after doing the heads etc by tightening the rocker nut till the pushrod couldnt spin after all of them were like that Id start the motor and back off the nut till the lift clacked then tighten till it stopped, then tighten the nut 3/4 to full turn. I would adjust all of the valves that way.What I want to know can still adjust the valve lash the same way or do the rocker arm nuts get tighten to a certain torque and that it. If you had a valve chattering you would have to use an oversized pushrod. I appreciate any input
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,712
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From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
valve adjustment
you can use any cam you want with non-adjustable (pedastol) type rockers, the only disadvantage to them is that you cannot adjust the lash. It must be noted that it makes pushrod length even more critical, because you cannot make up for incorrect pushrod length by customizing the lash (which is not the right thing to do anyway). In that scenario, the irregularities will have to be compensated by the hydraulic lifter, which sacrifices both performance and longevity. Most of the time, you can call the cam manufacturer and ask for a pushrod length recommendation, which will be accurate 96% of the time, but it is always advisable to check for correct pushrod length.
In summary, you can use any cam you want with pedastol mount rockers, except a mechanical (solid) lifter cam, you'll just have to measure the pushrod length. TK
In summary, you can use any cam you want with pedastol mount rockers, except a mechanical (solid) lifter cam, you'll just have to measure the pushrod length. TK
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