Trick Flow Rockers - Torque & Compression

[rpark]

I'm in the process of upgrading from stock heads to Trick Flow Twisted Wedge 185cc heads with 1.72 trick flow rockers.

According to trick flow's instructions, the rockers are supposed to be torqued to 55 ft lbs. Now I don't recall if that was the rocker studs or the nuts that hold the rockers on.

Anyway, if I torque the special nuts that hole the rockers in place to 55 ft lbs... I don't get any compression... hence no fire.... if I loosen the rockers up a lot, to say 20 ft lbs or less, then I get compression...

So my question is... what am I supposed to do? Loosen the rockers up until I get compression in each cylinder? Unfortunately, Trick flow's tech line is only open M-F, so I thought I'd check here.

Thanks

 

[RangerJoe]

I think that torque number is for the studs fastening into the head. I don't think you torque stud mounted rockers...I have pedestal mount rockers, and the torque for them is 18-20lbs.

Do an internet search for rocker arm adjustment. Its something like zero lash and then half a turn more...no torque.

Good luck.

 

[BlownFiveLiter]

RangerJoe is correct, you're not supposed to torque the rockers. Find zero lash, by twisting the pushrod until you feel it start to slightly drag while turning the rocker nut by hand. Once you've found zero lash, turn it 1/2 - 3/4 turn and lock it down.

 

[03ghoststang]

i believe those r the ones with the allen fastener in the middle.....find zro lash then i usually back out 1/8th, then tighten both nut and allen fastener 1/2 a turn

 

[rpark]

Thanks to all. Surprisingly, the trick flow instructions are mute on this point. I'm starting to loosen up and find zero lash (a new concept for me). Thanks again.

 

[Gregg@TFS]

I'm in the process of upgrading from stock heads to Trick Flow Twisted Wedge 185cc heads with 1.72 trick flow rockers.

According to trick flow's instructions, the rockers are supposed to be torqued to 55 ft lbs. Now I don't recall if that was the rocker studs or the nuts that hold the rockers on.

Anyway, if I torque the special nuts that hole the rockers in place to 55 ft lbs... I don't get any compression... hence no fire.... if I loosen the rockers up a lot, to say 20 ft lbs or less, then I get compression...

So my question is... what am I supposed to do? Loosen the rockers up until I get compression in each cylinder? Unfortunately, Trick flow's tech line is only open M-F, so I thought I'd check here.

Thanks

The rocker arm studs are what get torqued to 55 ft lbs.

See the document attached on how to adjust the valves.

 

[90lxcoupe]

i believe those r the ones with the allen fastener in the middle.....find zro lash then i usually back out 1/8th, then tighten both nut and allen fastener 1/2 a turn

Sounds like a good way to break the poly lock.

 

[jrichker]

Be aware that Trick flow heads require a different push rod length to get the proper valve train geometry. You will need an adjustable push rod and a weak test valve spring to do the testing. This is because Trick Flow uses stud mounted rockers like the early 260/289/302 engines. The latter model engines use pedestal mounted rockers. There is much testing and measuring, but this is the short version of the process.

The following method is very messy, but it will work.
Remove both the valve covers (you may have to remove the EFI upper manifold. to get one side off).
If present, cover the pushrod squirt holes in the rockers with aluminum foil. This will reduce the amount of oil that is wildly squirting from the valve train. Start the engine and somehow get it to idle. Loosen each rocker adjuster until the valve/rocker rattles. Then slowly tighten it down until the rattle goes away, and tighten it 1/2- 3/4 turn more and lock the adjustment. Repeat the process until you have made a complete pass through all the valves. Recheck any that don't quieten down. When finished, you will have oil everywhere, and if you did right, the engine will not have any rattling rockers or valves. Shut the engine off and reinstall the rocker covers. Get a gallon of mineral spirits to bathe yourself and the car it to remove the oil that now coats everything you didn't hide or cover. Like I said, messy, but it works good.