I did a really stupid thing, now what?

tshep911 · Feb 22, 2009

Years ago when I bough my Bronco I needed to replace the valve cover gasgets on my stock 302, under the advise of a mechanic, I adjusted the rockers using the "engine running method" back screw off until I hear noise, then tighten to quiet. Later I learned that these are not adjustable, yikes.

Now under load, I hear a ticking, not at idle, not coasting, just under load. According to the archives, this could be an exhaust leak, my headders are rusted and need replacing. Or, could I have damaged something?

TBS-POPS · Feb 22, 2009

First of all, Define years ago... You adjusted the valves just now or years ago??? And yes they are adjustable on a 302.(WRONG! MY BAD! switch engines!)

cs_88 · Feb 22, 2009

To adjust the valves on my 302 you need to install different length pushrods.

Broncobowsher · Feb 22, 2009

All mass produced small block Ford 302s (except the Boss 302 of '69 and '70) have non-adjustable valvetrain. Adjust lifter preload with longer/shorter pushrods.

The noise you describe is a lot more of the exhaust leak then a lifter tick. Lifters don't change noise under load or not, just with heat and RPM. Exhaust changes under load as more gases are moving under load then not under load, even at the same RPM.

TBS-POPS · Feb 22, 2009

Sorry! I just put my foot in my mouth!! ON a 302, you torque the rocker nuts to 20ft/lbs.. If you just ran them down to stop clacking, then they might have loosened up... just torque them down and see if that helps!

Jonboy69 · Feb 22, 2009

Also try tightening the header bolts some. They have a tendency to work loose and can cause a tick.

tshep911 · Feb 22, 2009

Years ago was about 8, and changing the engine would be nice but not in the current budget.
since I need a new exhaust system anyway, I am going to change that out and see if that corrects the problem.

TBS-POPS · Feb 22, 2009

NO!! Not you, the data base in my head!!

76 bronco J · Feb 22, 2009

Broncobowsher said:
All mass produced small block Ford 302s (except the Boss 302 of '69 and '70) have non-adjustable valvetrain. Adjust lifter preload with longer/shorter pushrods.

>>>>> all 1977 & up 302/5.0's with the stock style pedestal mount rocker systems usually use shims instead of shorter pushrods to reduce lifter preload...... http://www.jegs.com/i/Ford+Racing/397/M-6529-A302/10002/-1

ugly74 · Feb 22, 2009

I just added a washer between the fulcrum and nut, to gain a little room to be able to adjust preload. add a 2nd nut to tighten against, and it's done.
but what yer dealin with sounds like an exhaust leak to me.

Broncobowsher · Feb 22, 2009

76 bronco J said:
>>>>> all 1977 & up 302/5.0's with the stock style pedestal mount rocker systems usually use shims instead of shorter pushrods to reduce lifter preload...... http://www.jegs.com/i/Ford+Racing/397/M-6529-A302/10002/-1

Great if you want to reduce preload. But won't get you anywhere if there isn't enough. Still need longer pushrods.
Last service manual I remember still listed longer and shorter pushrods even for the newer pedistal rockers. But those shims sure are a lot less money then getting new pushrods.

I did a really stupid thing, now what?

tshep911

Jr. Member

TBS-POPS

Bronco Guru

cs_88

Bronco Guru

Broncobowsher

Total hack

TBS-POPS

Bronco Guru

Jonboy69

Full Member

tshep911

Jr. Member

TBS-POPS

Bronco Guru

76 bronco J

Bronco Guru

ugly74

Bronco abuser

Broncobowsher

Total hack

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