Problems after installing roller rockers (help!) - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

NZ · 09-25-2004, 19:12

Im in a bit of a pickle at the moment. Ive installed some YT 1.72 roller rockers and now the car runs badly. I first installed them and put everything back together started the car and it had the mad rattle. So off came the manifold again and I found all the rockers had a bit of play. I have been turning the engine till both valves open and close so the cam is on the base circle and I thought the rockers semed fairly tight.

So at the moment I have the rocker covers off and the manifold on so I can watch what happens when the engine is running. If the bolts aren't FT you can watch them unscrewing themselves after a few seconds. The rockers aren't clattering anymore but the car is still running bad. It honestly sounds like a drag car and it shakes enough to make the bonnet drop. I'm not even sure if it's the rockers. Perhaps they are too tight and the valves are not fully closing?? It isn't missing on any particular cylinder and when I give it little throttle it will rev and doesnt feel restricted in anyway. I don't think I've seen anyone have problems with the ecu after putting 1.7's on either so I wouldnt think it would be that. Basically i'm running out of idea's and I can't have the car off the road for too long (need to use it tommorrow). Also I can't use a torque wrench as theres nobody who can get a 1'2 inch drive down to an allen key bit! I'm running out of idea's so comments are appreciated!

Thanks guys

philstoj · 09-25-2004, 19:23

seems like you have done something wrong carl, did you have a vac leak?

NZ · 09-25-2004, 19:29

I guess that would be the next thing to check. Off comes manifold again. getting good at this.

EDXR8 · 09-25-2004, 19:40

What torque specs did you use and how much preload was there, make sure you rech 20-25ft/lb between 1/2 and 1 1/2 turns after zero lash. I also use a bit of blue loctite on the rocker bolts to stop them backing out but they shouldn't do that anyway. Also make sure the pushrods are sitting in the little cup on the end of the rocker arm, they can pop out of place (especially if they rocker arms are a bit loose) which would explain the loud rattling noise and the engine running like crap.

EDXR8 · 09-25-2004, 19:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by NZ

Also I can't use a torque wrench as theres nobody who can get a 1'2 inch drive down to an allen key bit! I'm running out of idea's so comments are appreciated!

They are around I searched for ages to find one, but you can just cut up an allen key and find a socket which it fits into and use that on the torque wrench. You really need to check the preload with a torque wrench to see if you need any shims or different length pushrods.

NZ · 09-25-2004, 19:53

Hmm I might be best to put the old pressed tin rockers back on for now then.

RaceCraft · 09-25-2004, 20:31

to make 100% sure, just check your leads again, in the right order and tight, we fitted FMS rockers and had no dramas what so ever.. The self loosening bolts is a concern.

NZ · 09-25-2004, 20:41

I didnt remove any leads but i'll check i havent knocked any. Wanna come install my rockers tibbo? sounds like you know what your doing!

eb2flyz · 09-25-2004, 22:26

the rockers could need shimming, freinds of mine had to shim them when they fitted their set.

JC-XR8 · 09-26-2004, 06:30

The allen key you need is 1/4". So just use a 1/4" socket with EDXR8s suggestion of a cut down allen key. That's all I used, and I held it all together with electrical tape so the allen key didn't fall out of the socket.