Rocker arm torque

[leftysdad]

Got my passenger side valve cover off to see of I can see anything causing my tick.....one of my rocker arms I can push down easy , 2nd one from the front...all the rest are tight....is there a torque spec, or do I just hand tighten down....new to me, so that's why I'm ask, thanks in advance

 

[Uncle Gump]

The valves are adjustable...

Do you mean you can push on the rocker arm push rod end and and it goes down?

That would most likely be a bad lifter.

 

[tw205]

Did I miss what engine you’re working on ? 2.9 are hydraulic and have a set preload. 2.8 are mechanical solid lifters and have a sequence to set to specifications

 

[leftysdad]

Its a 89 2.9
So.....I tighten down The one that was lose , by hand, not super tight, just snug where it had no play....put it back together, engine sounded perfect!.......20min later, Ticking again....like I never touched it

 

[Uncle Gump]

I guessed 2.9L based on 88 MY.

 

[tw205]

On the 2.9 you need to set the valves when the piston is at TDC of compression stroke. Start with #1. @ TDC loosen adjustment until you get a gap between the lifter and valve stem then tighten until contact is made, Then add 1 1/2 turns. Proceed to the next cylinder in firing order bringing each to TDC before adjusting.

 

[tw205]

My experience with the 2.9 is if it ticks when its full of oil then it just ticks. Short of a rebuild with new cam bearings she will always tick.

 

[leftysdad]

So if it got quite when I tighten down the rocker arm.....then started back again shortly, then the lifter is bad correct, and head has to come off

 

[tw205]

So if it got quite when I tighten down the rocker arm.....then started back again shortly, then the lifter is bad correct, and head has to come off

You said you tightened it by hand. You should not be able to do that. I can see how going through the proper torque sequence could be beneficial.

 

[leftysdad]

I mean with a ratchet and socket, sorry, should have been more specific

 

[tw205]

I mean with a ratchet and socket, sorry, should have been more specific

I would do the tightening sequence. Not difficult just time consuming.

 

[leftysdad]

Where can I find the info on doing it....the sequence, etc....
Thanks

 

[tw205]

Where can I find the info on doing it....the sequence, etc....
Thanks

My Haynes manual isn’t much more descriptive as my post. You want the valves not to be on the cam lobes so TDC on compression stroke. If you watch the distributor rotor it will get you close enough. Use a socket and ratchet on the crank bolt to turn the engine. Do them in the firing order imprinted in the intake manifold. Loosen rocker bolts then retighten to contact( spin pushrod to find contact) then add 1 1/2 turns. When you have rockers loose pull the pushrod and ensure it is not plugged as it is an oil passage to the rocker. Put rods back at same location it came from. Then start on the next ( I think #4). TDC, loosen, check rods, tighten ect ect ect.