Rocker Tick

[302LTDII]

I have a 79' 302 that has developed some rocker tick. The motor was rebuilt 3 years, 25,000mi ago at a local well known rebuild shop. I looked under the valve cover and noticed one rocker was loose. I tried tightening the bolt but it was at its proper specifications. I checked the pushrod and it was not bent. Any ideas at what this could be?

 

[86bluecobra]

is the (chan't member what it is called the do hickey the bolt goes through that the allows the rocker to pivot) pivot thingy on the rocker worn out?

 

[ExplodingGopher]

could be a collapsed lifter like i had.

 

[302LTDII]

The rocker and pivot thing is not worn at all. I'm thinking it might be a collapsed lifter.

 

[ExplodingGopher]

The rocker and pivot thing is not worn at all. I'm thinking it might be a collapsed lifter.

Yeah if its tightened all the way down, and still loose, its most definitely a collapsed lifter with that ticking. not a fun project, might as well do a cam and some heads if you can afford it.

 

[302LTDII]

I just ordered a new cam,lifters, aluminum intake, and a new 4bbl holley. I'm still debating if I should do the heads or not, the expendable cash is running tight.

 

[ExplodingGopher]

If you can't afford new heads, i'd just port the stockers and have a machine shop do some valve work. I had my lifter collapse in my 302 one day and i just sat there swearing so darn loud cause i had major plans for the motor. I had a newer rebuilt 460 short block in my garage and built that instead to try something different in a fox, it sure worked out great. Anyways, good luck with your project.