rockers/valvetrain + oil = mess?

[tab a]

I replaced a broken rocker arm on my '72 350. Read through a number of old threads on adjusting valves, some of which said that doing it with engine running was really messy. How much oil should be flying around?
I really didn't have much, and wondered if this is suspicious for a lubrication problem? Engine was not really warmed up, and oil pressure was about 25#.

2. Did 350's of that vintage all have hydraulic lifters? If not, how would I know which I have?

Thanks!

[bad6772]

only tip i have for ya ...in the mess dept is to take an old vavle cover and cut the center out of it.... leaving the bolt pattern...it will work as a valve cover should as far as catchin the oil. and still allow you access to the rockers...hope this helps ...tony

[truckdude239]

25 pounds at idel sounds bout right the it should go up as rpm increase

[cdowns]

all truck 350 engines had hydraulic lifters there were solid lifter 350's in z28 and corvettes of the era but thats about it

[68gmsee]

Re: oil flying around.

I've done this adjustment on several types of engines. Some the oil squirts out and others it just oozes out. I guess it depends on the condition of the engine (oil pump, bearings, built up grime inside push rods, etc.).

Last one I did was a new rebuilt engine. I had everything vatted and it made a mess. On my older 350 that I replaced the lifters on, oil just seemed to barely come out...

Next time, I'm going to look for some old valve covers to use as mentioned for precaution.

[glock35ipsc]

I also have an old set of valve covers that I cut the tops out on, plus I use a set of little metal slips that snap over the push rod end of the rocker. That way, I don't have the oil squirting out the top of the valve cover, and what runs off the end of the rocker can't flow out over the edge of the head onto the manifolds.