Hello I have a question, on my 82 f100 with the 300 6 cyl, I had all the rocker arm studs replaced with screw in type studs. They were backing out on me so I just replaced them all. So I guess they are Chevy type studs and are now adjustable. So my question is how to adjust them enough to get it running, then I can do it the ole fashioned way which is by ear. Or how do I set using a feeler gauge? And is the gap still the same as in regular ford studs. Thanks.

 

Here is my favorite thread on the subject, but there are many more...

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...t-mystery.html

Jim

 

Ford has two problems with their heads that need to be addressed when changing to an adjustable valve train;

1. Rocker alignment. I don't know about the six, but all of the v8's needed something to keep the rocker aligned to the valve without twisting around and falling off. Chevy used the pushrod holes in the cylinder head, these holes were small, so the pushrod could not lean over and let the pushrod twist around.

Fords always had a large hole where the pushrod came through(except on the very early 289's). Their first solution to keep the rocker aligned were the "rail rockers". These rockers had a groove on there tips that fit over the valve stem and would not let the rocker arm fall off the valve. Later they went to the "sled rockers". These rockers used bolts, and the sled fit into a groove milled into the head. This groove would not let the sled twist around and it held the rocker arm straight.

I have never worked on a Ford six. You will have to see if there is something to hold the rocker/pushrod assembly straight and centered on the valve tip. When a v8 is converted to an adjustable valve train, guide plates are installed under the screw in studs. These guide plates are very close to the pushrods, and hold the pushrods straight. When doing this, the pushrods had to be changed to hardened pushrods, when they rub on the plates metal shavings can be produced if the stock pushrods are used.

2. The adjustment needs to be locked. Most all Fords (don't know about the six) had a shoulder on the studs or used bolts to hold the rockers down. These are designed to be tightened down and that's it. If you loosen and raise the rocker up for adjustment, there is nothing to keep it tight. Chevy used locking nuts. You can buy kits for the Ford rail rockers that have a tall nut and a set screw to lock it. There is nothing you can do for the Ford sled rocker system with the bolts.