BamaZ28

Well,

I replaced the thermo with 180* and then took off the intake valve to the cylinder next to the rocker arm in question, they were the same height, so that pretty much eliminates stud coming out. So I had the wife start the car while I adjusted the valves to the best I could, I just tightened the ones that were ticking, (found 2 others), just to the point that they stopped, I mean within 1/16 of a turn. Will this suffice or should I use the feeler guage and exact it? Also, I had the AIR system disconnected and the air cleaner assembly off during this. I noticed an intermittent very very soft backfire while listening from behind the car, could this be because AIR and cleaner were off? I just wanna make sure before I put that valve cover back on. And with the thermo.....there was almost NO water in the block!!! So I ran it until the thermo opened with the cap off to get rid off air pockets, does that work well? Thanks

BamaZ28

87ROC

Shouldn't need a feeler gauge for hydraulic set up. It's good to give nut a 1/4 to 1/2 turn after ticking stops. You would think there was a reason they are loose. Maybe some internal work was done and the lash was never set correctly. You'll find out though once you drive it for a while. If the ticking doesn't return you should be go to go. If it does, then something else is going on. These should never need re-adjusting.

BamaZ28

Thanks,

The heads really look like maybe 60-70k miles on them, but odometer read 178k. Must have been replaced or REALLY well taken care of, no build up at all!

BamaZ28