How much play should be in the rocker arms?

[Ttop34]

I'm going to check and see if some of the bolts have lossened too much, how much play is too much? I've been told that there is suppose to be a little play in them, correct?

Also, I read somewhere that there's a proper way to install valve covers? What's the trick in this?

Oh yeah, how tight do I get the rocker bolts? I don't have a torque wrench here and my mechanic told me to just get them as tight as I can, that's what he does. Is the thread lock that comes on those bolts enough or should I put more?

[slacker69]

If u are going to take the valve covers off if u havent already by some new rocker arm bolts the are only like 15 dollars from gm parts direct. Yours shouldnt be coming loose the only reason they are is becuse u reused them

[Ttop34]

That's actually the reason. My mechanic didn't tell me to get new ones before he installed the cam however after one came loose he suggested it. I have 3 new ones now, all the dealership had, and my car makes less ticking noise than Matt's and his is stock. Some time I'm going to pull off the valve covers and check it out just to be safe.

[slacker69]

Good deal man u never think that alittl bolt can do so much. I can wait till my cam gets install in jan. I am just afraid it is to big

[Shadly]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Ttop34:
I'm going to check and see if some of the bolts have lossened too much, how much play is too much? I've been told that there is suppose to be a little play in them, correct? <hr></blockquote>0 lash + 1/4 turn. Remember, you have hydraulic lifters.

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Also, I read somewhere that there's a proper way to install valve covers? What's the trick in this?<hr></blockquote>16-20lbs. No more. Any more and you will get a leak that will never go away.

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Oh yeah, how tight do I get the rocker bolts? I don't have a torque wrench here and my mechanic told me to just get them as tight as I can, that's what he does. Is the thread lock that comes on those bolts enough or should I put more?<hr></blockquote>Better get a torque wrench. These things do matter.