did a search on rocker adjustments, and used the EO-IC method. I used 1/2 turn preload. have hyd lifters. This is my first attempt at this adjustment. Now the car will barely run. had to increase the idle adj just so it wouldn't stall. runs terrible! sounds terrible! feels like its running on 7 cyl. WHAT DID I DO WRONG???? Have readjusted twice with same result. The engine is a 350. I thought maybe I connected a plug wire wrong, but they are all correct. HELP!!!

Can we assume it ran better before the adjustment? What else did you do? You mentioned connecting plug wires...

Have you seen these instructions for adjusting valves? www.camaros.net/techref/ftecref17.html (http://www.camaros.net/techref/ftecref17.html)

Sounds like you adjusted them too tight but without knowing everything you have done and how it ran before it's hard to say!

I suspect finding zero lash may have been where you went wrong. You have to make sure you start at TDC and zero lash is just taking the slop out! The push rod should not rattle between the lifter and the rocker.

...Dennis

ran great before the adjustment. was just a very slight noise before, and the engine just had a rebuild, so thats why i thought i would adjust them. in order to remove the valve covers, i removed the plug wires so i could take the covers off easier. i also removed the #1 plug and then replaced it. i also removed the vacuum hoses, and yes, did put them back to where they belong. other than that i didn't do anything else. i can't see how i put too much preload on them. i tightened the rocker nut just until i felt resistance on the push rod, and then 1/2 turn more. i did notice that after i adjusted all of them, some seemed sort of loose again, but i left them.

Loosen them all 1/2 turn and do it again using the "hot" method with the engine running.

Start the engine and one at a time back each rocker off until it makes noise, then tighten it until it quiets, then 1/4 to 3/4 turns. If you go more than a 1/4, wait a few seconds before further adjustment. If they are new lifters I would only tighten them about a 1/4 turn since they have no wear on them. If you didn't misplace any wires or hoses, it should be fine.

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Bob
Garnet Red 69/SS396/TH400/355 Posi
94 HD Dyna Wideglide

Phel has it right, engine running is the way to go. 1/2 turn after you felt the resistance is probably a little more than what you need. (I did the exact same thing and had to re-do it the engine running way). I also had some carb and timing issues that made mine seem like it was in the valves. Good Luck.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 68dailydriver:
i did notice that after i adjusted all of them, some seemed sort of loose again, but i left them.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

If some seemed loose after adjustment, this would imply to me that you adjusted them when they were partialy open, and therefore loose after turning the motor and they were closed all the way.
Are you sure you are adjusting all valves when they are completely closed? Can you describe the method you used?
Just a thought.

Ray




[This message has been edited by 68SSConvt (edited 10-14-2001).]

Try the engine running method. Realize that the lifters take a fiew seconds to normalize when tightening or loosening.
I like to back off each one until it clicks steadily, then tighten until the clicking stops.
When all are set this way, stop the engine and turn each one down one turn. You can use a half turn with no problem. The factory spec is one turn.
You need to wait a while after the final setting, like 10 to 15 minutes to allow the lifters to bleed down a little, or the engine will be hard to start. I use this time to reinstall the valve covers.
This way minimizes the time the engine is running with the valve covers off, reducing oil splash. If you turn down a valve with the engine running, the engine wants to die due to the lifter holding the valve open, you have to turn a little, wait for the lifter to self adjust, turn a little more, wait, etc, takes a lot more time.

Some anit-pumpup lifters will not work at one turn and require a quarter to one half specification.
You can usually tell an engine that has the anti-pumpup lifters as they squirt oil about twice as far as a stock lifter, they bypass extra oil.
David

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[This message has been edited by davidpozzi (edited 10-14-2001).]

I cut me a slot in an old valve cover and use it to adjust my valves running.doesnt make a mess!