Odd problem with 302

[stout22]

I have a 76 Bronco with a 302 - I'm not sure if it is the original motor but suspect it is not.
While replacing the valve cover seals I noticed that the rocker under the oil fill (front, drivers side) is hitting the internal baffel and a hole was knocked in the baffel.
I put another stock cover on and it is hitting it.

Other than that the engine runs great.

What going on?

 

[77broncoguy]

are they aluminum rockers? If so, you'll need taller valve covers.

 

[stout22]

No, everything appears to be stock. I have not been through the motor so I'm not sure about any internals.

 

[surfer-b]

Doesn't sound if though the rockers are stock or who knows what without looking at it, find some extra thick valve cover gaskets and see if that will work.

 

[ugly74]

the press in rocker stud isn't pulling out, is it? might be something to check...

 

[recoiljunky]

Cut the baffle out.

Really, that's what the Ford Racing valve cover instructions say to do.

 

[stout22]

Cut the baffle out.

Really, that's what the Ford Racing valve cover instructions say to do.

Why is it hitting to start with?

Could it have taller rockers than stock?

The engine ran great with the old valve cover that had a hole knocked in the baffle.

I pulled the covers because of a seal leak.

 

[Broncobowsher]

When I put a slightly more aggressive cam in one engine I had clearance issues with the baffle. Took a hammer, went into the lawn and carefully adjusted the baffle to clear the rocker. Problem solved.

But do check that the stud isn't pulling out. common problem. run a straight edge across the top of all the studs, if one is high you will notice it.

 

[stout22]

I'll check the stud.

It could be the cam because the engine runs strong - no rattles or knocks with good pressure.

This all started with me trying to figure out a bad oil leak. It turns out the oil leak is a dip stick hole in the block on the driverside that is open
Unfortunately I didn't find that until after the engine was pulled

Any sugestions on how to plug this extra dip stick hole?

 

[Broncobowsher]

Dipstick hole in the block on the drivers side is NOT stock for a '76.
You have a late model engine installed my friend.
Look above the starter and give us the casting codes. I bet there is an "E" or and "F" in there and not a "D".

 

[ShortBus]

I am not sure if this will help but this is out of my 71';

 

[dieselracer]

I just installed stock 5.0L valve covers with Crane aluminum roller rockers, and had to remove the baffle for the #1 cylinder rockers to clear. Without the baffle everything is okay.

 

[stout22]

The hole has been plugged with a 3/8 plug I picked up from NAPA and backed it up with some silicone.

Haven't found any other problems so it's going back together.;D

The motor is a Reman - it has a tag glued to the block next to the water pump on the passenger side but does not say who did the work.

I will do a little hammer adjusment to the valve cover before it goes back on.%)

 

[oleguy74]

those look like stock rockers

 

[BUCKETOBOLTS]

I swapped my stock rockers for a set of 1.7 roller tip stamped rockers. The tin baffle didn't hit the stock arms but after the swap I had a tick. Sounded just like a lifter had collapsed. Removed the baffle and no more tick...

 

[Viperwolf1]

Ford Motorsports makes a nice double thick valve cover gasket with a steel core. It allowed me to use the roller rockers and mustang valve covers without removing the baffle.

 

[Bronco73]

If this is indeed a later engine then it will not have the old style studded rocker arms. It will have the pedestal rocker arms that are torqued to 26 ft Lbs and that's it. No stud to be pulled out Not sure if there is a clearence issue with a new style head and an older valve cover but the newer style roker arms I believe are wider than the older adjustable style.

 

[Broncobowsher]

He stated it was a reman. No telling what mix of parts they put in it. Heads from here, crank from there, oh, look a usable block to put everything in.

 

[stout22]

It is a newer engine and does not have the old style studded rocker arms.

Still struggling with putting things back together but getting there. Latest problem is getting a manual flywheel that has the correct hole pattern for my pressure plate. I think I have that resolved so hope to get the tranny back in tonight.

I'm trying to get this thing ready for OCBR and I'm running out of time!