Tech / General Engine Is your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!

rocker nuts

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-21-2010, 05:25 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Tightenloop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Latvia (Europe)
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: Camaro LT
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700r-4
rocker nuts

Hi,

How to secure rocker nuts. I tried to use red thread lock, but after 1K miles some nuts became lose.

here is my project camaro almost done.
Name:  camaro_.jpg
Views: 145
Size:  137.6 KB
Old 01-21-2010, 05:30 AM
  #2  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Tightenloop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Latvia (Europe)
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: Camaro LT
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700r-4
Re: rocker nuts

Sorry almost forgot..
It is chevy small block 305 stock reworked heads but still with pressed in studs.
Old 01-21-2010, 06:03 AM
  #3  
J91
Supreme Member
 
J91's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Columbus Ohio
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 91 Z28,64ImpalaSS4094spd,67 Galaxy
Engine: Dart 415Profiler hd,cmprlrs,Hlly750
Transmission: Built 700R4, 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 3:89 Moser 9"
Re: rocker nuts

I fthey are loosening w/ blue threadlok, replace them...
Old 01-21-2010, 06:14 AM
  #4  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Tightenloop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Latvia (Europe)
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: Camaro LT
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700r-4
Re: rocker nuts

red threadlock is stronger then blue and I already used new nuts.
Old 01-21-2010, 06:22 AM
  #5  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (1)
 
DeathStarr89's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Davenport, Iowa
Posts: 1,598
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Car: Still a 3rd Gen
Engine: 450HP 355
Transmission: TH350
Axle/Gears: 9" with 4.11's
Re: rocker nuts

mine kept backing off on my old 355, I ended up just buying a box of nuts from the hardware store and adding a jamb nut to the tops of all the studs. Never had a problem again.
Old 01-21-2010, 09:57 AM
  #6  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Tightenloop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Latvia (Europe)
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: Camaro LT
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700r-4
Re: rocker nuts

There is not enough space for a jamb nut.
I thing about try to use "liquid metal"
Old 01-21-2010, 11:31 AM
  #7  
Member

iTrader: (10)
 
tater's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Altus, Oklahoma
Posts: 202
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Car: Dad's 87 Bird (Org Owner)
Engine: Vortec 350 Crate Motor
Transmission: TH350
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Posi
Re: rocker nuts

I've never had that problem with new nuts.
Old 01-21-2010, 02:14 PM
  #8  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (2)
 
dimented24x7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Moorestown, NJ
Posts: 9,962
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Car: 88 Camaro SC
Engine: SFI'd 350
Transmission: TKO 500
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt w/ 3.23's
Re: rocker nuts

What kind of rockers are you using? Using stock pressed-in studs? Screw-in studs? With stock rockers + studs, theres enough room for jamb nuts. Unless the threads on the stock studs are really worn, a new set of stock rocker nuts from GM, comp cams, or similar shouldn't need threadlock. With all the oil, the threadlock is nearly useless there, anyway.
Old 01-21-2010, 02:19 PM
  #9  
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
 
50bmgshooter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: rocker nuts

Originally Posted by Tightenloop
There is not enough space for a jamb nut.
I thing about try to use "liquid metal"

dont use that or anything like it. you wont be able to readjust your valves later if you need to.

you could try nylon lock nuts or a set of posi locks for roller rockers

what i would do if i was you is pull your heads off and have the studs replaced because that is were your problem would be if you got new lock nuts and they back off.
Old 01-21-2010, 04:07 PM
  #10  
Supreme Member
 
JakeJr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Kempner,TX,
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1996 Vette / 1992 GSX1100F Suzuki
Engine: 1996 Corvette Coupe 388 LT1 (+.060)
Transmission: Auto
Axle/Gears: 3.07
Re: rocker nuts

What holds the torque on stock nuts is the oblong shape (as opposed to round) at the top area of the nuts.

After several tightening/loosening/re-tightening the oblong shape gets rounded out. After that happens they can loosen. If that's what's happening a new set of nuts will solve your problem. They're inexpensive and available at most auto parts stores.

However, press-in studs are known to begin to get pulled out over time, especially when higher pressure springs are installed and/or repeated high RPMs are used. GM probably moved away from press-in studs for that reason.

If that's is happening, the heads should be pulled. The least expensive fix is to have a machine shop pin the studs. Best way, though, is to have the stock studs pulled and the stud holes tapped for screw in studs.

Tapping has been done with the heads installed on the block, but there'll be a lot of shavings to be concerned about. I don't recommend doing them that way.

Jake
Old 01-22-2010, 11:21 AM
  #11  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Tightenloop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Latvia (Europe)
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: Camaro LT
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700r-4
Re: rocker nuts

What kind of rockers are you using? Using stock pressed-in studs? Screw-in studs?
Stamped steel with roller tip rockers. studs are stock pressed in.
heads are resurfaced and shaved down by 0.7mm to rise up compression. therefore there is no space for jamb nut.

you could try nylon lock nuts or a set of posi locks for roller rockers
I think nylon is not the best locking material for high temperatures.

However, press-in studs are known to begin to get pulled out over time, especially when higher pressure springs are installed and/or repeated high RPMs are used. GM probably moved away from press-in studs for that reason.
Yes, I have stronger springs because of cam change. and my engine quite often sees high revs, however there is no problem with studs.

will try to use new nuts and "lock tight"
thanks for your replays..
Old 01-22-2010, 12:24 PM
  #12  
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
 
91interceptorZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: boise, ID
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 91 B4C "police special service"
Engine: L98 494hp
Transmission: tko-600 on order
Axle/Gears: 3.23 true trac
Re: rocker nuts

shaving the heads by .7mm should not affect how the rockers attach. they shave the bottom of the head.
did they lower the spring pocket by .7 ??
Old 01-22-2010, 01:35 PM
  #13  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Tightenloop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Latvia (Europe)
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: Camaro LT
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700r-4
Re: rocker nuts

did they lower the spring pocket by .7 ??
No.
What would be the reason doing so? this will increase installed height reducing spring pressure . which will result in valve float... I use quite aggressive comp's 08-412-8 camshaft.
Old 01-22-2010, 02:09 PM
  #14  
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
 
91interceptorZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: boise, ID
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 91 B4C "police special service"
Engine: L98 494hp
Transmission: tko-600 on order
Axle/Gears: 3.23 true trac
Re: rocker nuts

the comp cams specs on that says that head machining required. You would of had to machine the spring pockets to have the correct installed height probably. Did you measure the installed height of your springs??? That's more lift than ususally is good on stock heads.....495 lift is what I found. What is your installed height, and what does your springs call for??
Old 01-23-2010, 02:57 AM
  #15  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Tightenloop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Latvia (Europe)
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: Camaro LT
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700r-4
Re: rocker nuts

the only thing i did to accept gross valve lift I trimmed valve guide a little so there is 1mm space between retainer keeper and valve guide at max lift.
Springs where the same as stock except stiffness.
There is no problem with valves, or rocker geometry, or any related ... the only problem is rocker nuts.
Old 01-23-2010, 03:07 AM
  #16  
Member
 
84Z28406's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Posts: 365
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1984 Camaro Z28 T-tops
Engine: 350
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: rocker nuts

I think JakeJr might be onto something suggesting the studs might be pulling out. Put a straight edge along the tops of the studs and see if any don't touch the straight edge, then you'll know.

91interceptorZ is also correct in saying that shaving the heads will have zero effect on the studs. If you're using stock replacement nuts there should be more than enough room for a jam nut on top of the rocker nut.
Old 01-23-2010, 10:32 AM
  #17  
Supreme Member
 
JakeJr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Kempner,TX,
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1996 Vette / 1992 GSX1100F Suzuki
Engine: 1996 Corvette Coupe 388 LT1 (+.060)
Transmission: Auto
Axle/Gears: 3.07
Re: rocker nuts

Originally Posted by Tightenloop
the only thing i did to accept gross valve lift I trimmed valve guide a little so there is 1mm space between retainer keeper and valve guide at max lift.
Springs where the same as stock except stiffness.
There is no problem with valves, or rocker geometry, or any related ... the only problem is rocker nuts.
I certainly hope you're right because if you're not . . . . .

Jake
Old 01-24-2010, 12:33 AM
  #18  
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
 
91interceptorZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: boise, ID
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 91 B4C "police special service"
Engine: L98 494hp
Transmission: tko-600 on order
Axle/Gears: 3.23 true trac
Re: rocker nuts

you do need to measure the installed height of the spring and such.....there should be no fitment issues. Checking the studs as well is a good idea, they might be pulling out.... Something is NOT right, it for sure should not be like this. Something is not measured correctly, or coming apart. Need to figure out before it damages something badly. good luck.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
gord327
Transmissions and Drivetrain
13
09-29-2015 10:18 PM
tcarlos13
Interior Parts Wanted
0
09-28-2015 06:31 PM
New2Chevy
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
2
09-28-2015 12:35 AM
3.8TransAM
NW Indiana and South Chicago Suburb
1
09-27-2015 08:37 PM
Fox118
Suspension and Chassis
17
09-12-2015 09:29 PM



Quick Reply: rocker nuts



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:46 AM.