Does it have solid lifters? They tend to make a racket.
Noisey valvetrain on a 302
My 68 mustang with a j-code 302 with only 6000 miles on a total rebuild back to stock sure has noisey rockers or lifters,but runs really good anyone else have this problem or is it normal?
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time to re adjust the lash on your rocker arms :wavey
No it does'nt have solid lifters
Im not real sure how to adjust the rockers without screwing something up?
well, if your not willing to learn, then take it to a shop and pay them to do it. It's not very hard to do though. Are you not mechanically inclined?
I could do it myself if someone could explain how ?
you need to get a chilton, haynes, or ford manual for your car.
Based on all your post for various problems, I'd say it's time to invest in a good repair manual for you car. Thats the best way to start learning how to do things. :wavey
Yes I own a chiltons thanks. Two posts doesnt seem like a lot of problems to me,if you dont have an answer then dont reply.Your car must be perfect?and you must know how to fix everything?
I didnt say alot of problems, I said various problems. You have the book, use it. If there is something you dont understand during the process, then ask a specific question. :wavey
Thank you very much! thats what Iwant to know.I have seen the old valve cover trick before.
Hello fastbackmike,
There are various methods for adjusting the valves if they are hydraulic. Be sure they are hydraulic because solid lifters require gapping.
1. - Remove valve cover - start motor - just take off one at a time.
Spin the pushrod while tightening the rocker. When it finally tightens enough to stop spinning, make another 1/2 turn and you should be done.
This gets messy and be careful of the oil on the exhaust manifolds.
I recommend another way:
2. - Get a set of old valve covers and cut the top off.
Now do like #1.
I am concerned with the oil on the exhaust if you have never done before it could
catch fire if you take too long. it will smoke a lot as well. See if you can get a cheap set of covers and cut off the top to allow access to the rockers. This will hold the oil in.
You can also adjust the valves cold but it involves marking the damper and rotating the motor by hand to bring the Pistons to TDC on the compression stroke.
Lot of work and I think the other method would work for you better.
Try to read as much as you can and do searches for things. You tube has how to videos that help a lot......... Print Dad
IMO, this is bad (and dangerous) advice. there is NO NEED to adjust hydraulic lifters with the engine running. Also, you do not have to "mark" the damper. You simply start with the #1 cylinder at TDC (end of compression stroke and at 0 deg on damper) and go through all of the cylinders. And you dont tighten the rocker nut down until the pushrod "stops spinning". All you want to do is take the lash out, then a 1/2 turn.
Hello ragtop 429,IMO, this is bad (and dangerous) advice. there is NO NEED to adjust hydraulic lifters with the engine running. Also, you do not have to "mark" the damper. You simply start with the #1 cylinder at TDC (end of compression stroke and at 0 deg on damper) and go through all of the cylinders. And you dont tighten the rocker nut down until the pushrod "stops spinning". All you want to do is take the lash out, then a 1/2 turn.
Thanks......I think you are right I should not have advised to adjust when motor is running. I tired to explain that it could be dangerous but thinking about it, I think you were right in the fact that I shouldn't have mentioned it.
In my younger days I would use the cut off valve covers and I think that is pretty safe. I now regret having made the post.
You bring up a great point about safety and I will be much more careful.
I appreciate your honesty and I think you have helped me in the past on my car.
Thanks for keeping an eye open for this old dummy....Print Dad
Hello fastbackmike,Thank you very much! thats what Iwant to know.I have seen the old valve cover trick before.
In looking over my answer I realize this is BAD ADVICE especially if you are not too familiar with the adjusting.
DO NOT adjust the valves with no valve covers.
I was trying to help but have given BAD advice.
429Ragtop is correct. PLease don't risk injury it's not worth it.
Read more about setting valves cold.
Sorry..........Print Dad
don't worry dad, i still do them the correct way. with engine running. never had a fire in 40 years. :bigthumbsup
the chilton has a very good way to adjust the valve lash on the 302. Ive used it many times on my rebuilt 302. If the engine was rebuilt and broken in correctly, assuming its a hydraulic cam, usually the valves need to be adjust again. Due to the lobes on the cam being slightly grounded down through the break through procedure. If you arent able to find it in the chilton, I will be more that glad to type out the instructions in mine.
429 ragtop brings up good points, dont rely on the technique of the spining rod, once you have the rocker free of lash turn 1/2 turn more. I usually use some Lucas oil stabalizer on each rocker, I place a dab on each rod and let it go down to the lifter. This keeps them less noisy and i bit more protected from wear.
Hopefully this helps.
429 ragtop brings up good points, dont rely on the technique of the spining rod, once you have the rocker free of lash turn 1/2 turn more. I usually use some Lucas oil stabalizer on each rocker, I place a dab on each rod and let it go down to the lifter. This keeps them less noisy and i bit more protected from wear.
Hopefully this helps.
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