Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

[joewithaboat]

Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

Did you try setting them while running at operating temp?

double check for any interference...valve cover, retainer to rocker, also look really good for small exhaust leaks

id pull the plugs on that side to and make sure they look ok, just to rule out something bouncing around in the cylinder.

Hard to tell from listening over the computer.

Roller rockers will not be quiet, especially under tin covers. But is does sound louder on the even side.
Are the locks visibly all the same depth at least respectively on the 4 int and 4 exhaust on that side.

 

[greg82255]

Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

Did you try setting them while running at operating temp?

double check for any interference...valve cover, retainer to rocker, also look really good for small exhaust leaks

id pull the plugs on that side to and make sure they look ok, just to rule out something bouncing around in the cylinder.

Hard to tell from listening over the computer.

Roller rockers will not be quiet, especially under tin covers. But is does sound louder on the even side.
Are the locks visibly all the same depth at least respectively on the 4 int and 4 exhaust on that side.

Thanks for the reply Joe. The poly locks are visibly the same depth, if not very very close. I did pull all the plugs and they looked fine. I didn't think about checking for interference with the valve covers, but I did run it with the cover pulled and it made the same noise. I also did look around for exhaust leaks but I'll look again and be more thorough this time. After doing some research online I was worried that it could have been a spun rod bearing or something.

I tried to adjust them while running but I had some trouble with it so I ended up going back to the conventional method. In order to use the running method you have to tighten the rocker until the clicking stops, but it's hard to tell when it stops when another valve is also clicking.

On my last boat I had an exhaust leak on a chevy 305 and it sounded similar. I actually removed the exhaust manifold and put it back on using the same gasket because I didn't have another. That could be the cause too. I'll replace the gasket and clean up the surfaces and try again just to rule that out. I don't suppose there is any kind of sealant that you can use on the exhaust gaskets just to make sure they seal perfectly?

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

Thanks for the reply Joe. The poly locks are visibly the same depth, if not very very close. I did pull all the plugs and they looked fine. I didn't think about checking for interference with the valve covers, but I did run it with the cover pulled and it made the same noise. I also did look around for exhaust leaks but I'll look again and be more thorough this time. After doing some research online I was worried that it could have been a spun rod bearing or something.

I tried to adjust them while running but I had some trouble with it so I ended up going back to the conventional method. In order to use the running method you have to tighten the rocker until the clicking stops, but it's hard to tell when it stops when another valve is also clicking.

On my last boat I had an exhaust leak on a chevy 305 and it sounded similar. I actually removed the exhaust manifold and put it back on using the same gasket because I didn't have another. That could be the cause too. I'll replace the gasket and clean up the surfaces and try again just to rule that out. I don't suppose there is any kind of sealant that you can use on the exhaust gaskets just to make sure they seal perfectly?

The trouble with setting them other than running at this point is it is nearly impossible to accurately find zero. The presence of oil in the lifter makes it tough.

I would suffer through doing it running. As you back it off the clicking will be very distinctive then slowly tighten until it goes away. Pause to make sure it doesn't return. Than add your half turn.

As i have never had those exhaust I'm not sure but i would think a good graphite impregnated gasket would be best. You can add some copper coat or super high temp silicone but unless there is a surface defect or you are trying to reuse old gaskets you shouldn't need it.

Your almost there dont give up.

 

[greg82255]

Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

The trouble with setting them other than running at this point is it is nearly impossible to accurately find zero. The presence of oil in the lifter makes it tough.

I would suffer through doing it running. As you back it off the clicking will be very distinctive then slowly tighten until it goes away. Pause to make sure it doesn't return. Than add your half turn.

As i have never had those exhaust I'm not sure but i would think a good graphite impregnated gasket would be best. You can add some copper coat or super high temp silicone but unless there is a surface defect or you are trying to reuse old gaskets you shouldn't need it.

Your almost there dont give up.

Alright, I'll go through and do them while its running. I assume I should loosen all the poly locks before starting the engine and adjust them all at the same time? I'll also make sure I have good gaskets on the exhaust and it's sealing properly. I'll check back as soon as I finish it.

 

[USNChief]

Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

Hit a slight problem today..

I finished everything up and fired up the motor inside the boat, and hear a very distinct clicking noise from inside the 2-4-6-8 bank. Looks like the valves need to be adjusted after all. It's a little weird because I didn't hear any clicking when I ran it on the stand... Maybe it's because now the engine is in a closed compartment and the noise from the exhaust isn't overpowering anymore? Anything else the clicking could/would likely be? The temp and oil pressure was fine while I was running it.

My first thought is the valves, second thought is rocker arms. I saw earlier about your distributor. I don't think you really need an MSD. Just make sure you have an HEI and you should be good to go. We did a 383 last year in our 1980 Corvette. Love the color you chose. Very similar to our Vette. Let us know how it goes. You will love this engine now!

 

[wca_tim]

Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

does it still click with the valve covers on?

if you start it with the valve covers off, you should be able to tell very clearly and which valve is the culprit...

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

Here's another video of the ring break in. Everything appears to be working just right.

Watch close at 2.05 the steam is being sucked back in....The valves are sticking.... at 2000 that steam should not break up

 

[John_S]

Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

Alright, I'll go through and do them while its running. I assume I should loosen all the poly locks before starting the engine and adjust them all at the same time? I'll also make sure I have good gaskets on the exhaust and it's sealing properly. I'll check back as soon as I finish it.

While running, loosen them one at a time, and adj. If you loosen all of them, you will not be able to hear the one you want.

If it is a rocker ticking, it should be obvious when you are adjusting that one.

 

[Maddoxsdaddy]

Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

Good luck. I'm watching your thread closely incase i have any similar issued from my 350.

 

[Flysfloatsor]

Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

Tim just made buying used alpha drives off craigslist so easy! Everyone and their sister has a 1.84 Alpha for sale. Its about the only thing that lasts on a boat with the standard power Mercruiser puts in front of them.
Most have led easy pamperd lives behind a 4.3, or 3.0!

Just dont buy one from me, Tim or Greg...

 

[greg82255]

Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

Watch close at 2.05 the steam is being sucked back in....The valves are sticking.... at 2000 that steam should not break up

Do you think that is the source of the ticking sound? If so, what needs to be done about it? I think there may have been some reversion with the Merc manifolds/risers that I had on there, but with the stainless marine exhaust I doubt it will be an issue.

does it still click with the valve covers on?

if you start it with the valve covers off, you should be able to tell very clearly and which valve is the culprit...

I did start it with the valve cover off and I cannot tell which valve/rocker is making noise.. I put my ear as close to the rockers as I possibly can and cannot tell which rocker it is coming from. It seems like the sound is in more than one place. Maybe it's more than one.

While running, loosen them one at a time, and adj. If you loosen all of them, you will not be able to hear the one you want.

If it is a rocker ticking, it should be obvious when you are adjusting that one.

I just came back inside from trying again. I tried loosening one at a time and adjusting it. The problem was that I couldn't tell when each valve was just loose enough to make a ticking noise because the other ticking sound was so loud.

I give this another day or 2 before I take it to a pro. Any other thoughts on what I can do? If I over tighten all the valves, could that make the tick go away and then I can adjust them one by one? Will that do any damage at idle speed?

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

Well basic guide lines ...do the pushrods turn easy under a slight preload are they straight slight bow maybe....as john said it should be quite obvious finding a rocker out of adjustment. Do you have a engine stethoscope that should find the tapping if its not the rockers.

Sometimes it better if you get a second look at your build...Your in way to deep now to have a failure.

 

[greg82255]

Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

Well basic guide lines ...do the pushrods turn easy under a slight preload are they straight slight bow maybe....as johm said it should be quite obvious finding a rocker out of adjustment

I'm not exactly sure what you mean. After failing with the running method, to adjust the valves again I spun the pushrods in my hand until I felt them start to bind, assumed that was zero lash, added 1/2 turn. I also factored in adjusting the intake when the exhaust valve opens and exhaust when the intake opens/closes.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

Here get seated.....Doh

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piifbQtCzno

I just went though the thread...Did anyone actually machine the heads for that high lift cam???and measure the install height

 

[John_S]

Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

I'm not exactly sure what you mean. After failing with the running method, to adjust the valves again I spun the pushrods in my hand until I felt them start to bind, assumed that was zero lash, added 1/2 turn. I also factored in adjusting the intake when the exhaust valve opens and exhaust when the intake opens/closes.

If you did that way after the hot method, they are probably way too tight.

On the side that is not clicking, can you tell when you have zero lash? Clacking should be obvious as you back off on the nut. At least it is with regular stamped rocker arms.

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

As i have already said, it is nearly impossible to set the rockers now that you have oil in the lifters and the intake installed. Just run them with it running.

The guy in the above video appears to be putting way to much torque on the poly locks, they will break! Ask me how i know, LOL

As john said, I would also say you have them too tight at this point.

The roller rockers are inherently noisy , like a sewing machine. But the lash is a very distinct clacking sound.

listen to this vid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lipGef0AVI&list=UUKjczCWN3Gh5UAT6JEyXZWw&index=109&feature=plcp

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

Well basic guide lines ...do the pushrods turn easy under a slight preload are they straight slight bow maybe....as john said it should be quite obvious finding a rocker out of adjustment. Do you have a engine stethoscope that should find the tapping if its not the rockers.

Sometimes it better if you get a second look at your build...Your in way to deep now to have a failure.

Slight bow ???

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

Greg

A different thread made me think about head bolt re-torque being recommended by Felpro after initial warm up. What head gaskets did you use?

 

[greg82255]

Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

If you did that way after the hot method, they are probably way too tight.

On the side that is not clicking, can you tell when you have zero lash? Clacking should be obvious as you back off on the nut. At least it is with regular stamped rocker arms.

As i have already said, it is nearly impossible to set the rockers now that you have oil in the lifters and the intake installed. Just run them with it running.

The guy in the above video appears to be putting way to much torque on the poly locks, they will break! Ask me how i know, LOL

As john said, I would also say you have them too tight at this point.

The roller rockers are inherently noisy , like a sewing machine. But the lash is a very distinct clacking sound.

listen to this vid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lipGef0AVI&list=UUKjczCWN3Gh5UAT6JEyXZWw&index=109&feature=plcp

Please forgive my ignorance but I'm a little confused. I thought the rockers/valves make the ticking sound because they are too lose. If right now they're way too tight then why are they ticking? In that video it appears to be very obvious when the valves are ticking and when they are adjusted properly. It still makes a tick but it's less obvious. I'm going to try again tomorrow and listen very closely for the two different sounds.

Greg

A different thread made me think about head bolt re-torque being recommended by Felpro after initial warm up. What head gaskets did you use?

I used Fel-Pro 1003 head gaskets. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FEL-1003/
I have the valve covers off anyways, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to go through and check the torque on the head bolts.

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

Please forgive my ignorance but I'm a little confused. I thought the rockers/valves make the ticking sound because they are too lose. If right now they're way too tight then why are they ticking? In that video it appears to be very obvious when the valves are ticking and when they are adjusted properly. It still makes a tick but it's less obvious. I'm going to try again tomorrow and listen very closely for the two different sounds.


I used Fel-Pro 1003 head gaskets. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FEL-1003/
I have the valve covers off anyways, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to go through and check the torque on the head bolts.

No need to re torque those gaskets.

The noise you hear could be the lifter bottoming out if they are too tight.

When you set them, not running, how exactly did you do it.