Procedure for securing rocker arms on OEM style heads

[skullandbones]

I have a mildly modified 302 with Crane roller rocker arms. These rocker arms attach to the head just like the stamped steel ones with a bolt (no adjustable nut like on aftermarket rockers). When investigating this I found that the correct length push rods have to be used and the bolts holding the replacement (Crane) rocker arms should be torqued to 22 ft lbs. It also says to check that there is some movement of the rocker on the valve stem. I did that. I also have some assurance that this setup should work as it was installed on the heads I am using with the same push rods, type valves, and the cam was higher lift and duration than the one installed in my engine. The only difference is the valve springs which are matched to the cam. These components are from a Mustang GT that was modified and crashed during a test run after only about 5 miles.

So my question is: how often should these bolts be rechecked to make sure of proper adjustment or loosening? I have about 950 miles on the roadster so far and I took the valve covers and top manifold off for polishing so I am checking it now. I don't think "lock tight" is an option but I don't know for sure. I am not ready to change the setup as of right now but will probably change when more mods are installed.

I don't see this setup much but there must be some more out there who use it.

Thank you in advance,

WEK.:cool::cool:

[Dan Babb]

Those look like the crane rocker arms that have a ford part number stamped on them. There were used on the 93 Cobra if I remember correctly. I have the same ones on my car.

If you install them properly, you shouldn't have to go back and tighten them up later...but if you want to go through the process after a while, it won't hurt. The process when installing them says that you should only have to turn the bolt something like 1/2 to 1 turn before you reach the torque spec. If you have to tighten the bolt more, then you're supposed to use shims under the rocker until you find the right one. The instructions are online somewhere, so check them before you take my word for it.

[skullandbones]

I was going by memory about the "adjustment" during installation and what you say is correct. I did follow the procedure and even found a video about it later. I was lucky not to have to shim them. They have been performing well. I think I had to tighten mine about a 1/2 turn after finger tight (no lash) as you mentioned. I was just concerned that the bolts might back off since in the past (on Chevy engines) I have always used the stub and nut with allen screw to secure after lashing. I guess I will check them one more time before putting the valve covers on and quit worrying about it.


BTW: they do have Ford stamped on them.

Thank you very much,

WEK.

[rich grsc]

Set, forget em. That is the style used on Fox era 5.0 engines, there was no valve adjustment requirement.