$14.50 and OH #$%!!

[gchemist]

$14.50 for a Texas road safety inspection!! The test driver had a huge smile on his face. I told him have fun. He went on a short ride around the block. The lube place guys always open up the hood just to google.

Now the OH @#$% part. I noticed the truck idled a little different yesterday. Rocker arm clatter was a little louder than normal. I expect it since the truck has not moved in over a week. Later that day, I went to visit my sister. Well, I had to limp her home at 1500 RPMs in OD. A rocker arm or push rod has probably failed. The clatter is so obvious. I know the engines are known to have weak push rods. They flex under high stress. Lets just stay, there are plenty of tires marks all over town.

I hope to pull valve covers and check valve lash. Maybe it's time for upgrades!!

[Cherub]

was it the inspection shops fault???

[gchemist]

Nope, I bet he didn't even get out of second gear during the test drive. Inspectors have to follow strick policies. Besides, they are in plan view during the test drive.

[Cherub]

oh gotcha i read the original post wrong then. Good thing about out something breaking you get to but go fast parts hehehe

[spinem]

dennngggg! i know how that goes

[Driveway Dreams]

So did you pass your inspection?

[gchemist]

The tester was happy. He didn't check the gas caps or anything under the hood. Not even the windshield wipers. Another easy inspection until next year. Just for fun, I dropped it in first leaving the station. I turned up the street to my house and let the ZZ4 loose. Tire smoke for a block.....then I wonder why the rocker arms are clanging.

I'm borrowing a friends rocker arm clips. I'll be able to run the motor without oil squirting everywhere. The rockers need to be set at zero lash + 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Now that my tach is working, I'm going to adjust timing to specs. 10 degrees @ 800 RPMs. I'm pulling out the vacuum gauge and adjust the carb if needed.

[Driveway Dreams]

Well, get to it. No sense beating up your internals too bad. Glad to hear you passed even with issues. You all remind me that I am glad I don't have inspections, emmissions, etc.

[N2TRUX]

Yikes! Don't blow this up. I would hate for you to have to dust off the old 305 out and rebuild it...

[Pyrotechnic]

If you're lucky the stock lock nuts just backed off. Good time for a rocker upgrade.

[gchemist]

I'm almost shamed to post these pictures. Oil change is due.



Okay, I did not find any damage. I removed both valve covers. Sure enough, nearly all the rocker arms were loose. Some even took a 1/4 turn! Ouch. I'll adjusted them snug without a feeler gauge. Factory setting is zero lash. I should have adjusted them before installing the engine. A friend is letting me borrow some rocker arm clips. I'll run the engine while adjusting them to zero lash + 1/4-1/2 turn. The valve train noise should be quieter. Now that I got the air cleaner off, I'm setting the timing to specs. 10 degrees at 800 RPMs.
Who wants to help???

[Pyrotechnic]

I'll be in Austin this weekend, and if I can swing it I want to try and make it to the Cedar Park show. I get back Friday evening and the truck is filthy so lots of cleaning to do before Saturday morning. Would be cool to have all the 73-87's lined up!

[gchemist]

I plan to e-mail with a list. I'll ask them to save 10 spots for square body trucks!!

[cableguy0]

Hydraulic lifters should not "lose" adjustment. Either the nuts backed off (highly possible) or your cam is going south. Something caused them to be loose whether its wear or the nuts backing off either way readjusting isnt going to fix the problem. It will happen again

[gchemist]

The lifters are hydraulic rollers. Nuts just backed out. I'll know after adjusting then driving like I stole it. I can use a little locktite if necessary.

[Red_69]

Mark sure your studs aren't pulling out. Unlikely but I've had it happen with press in studs.

[gchemist]

Yea, I'm not too concerned right now. The orginal ZZ4 owner ran it hard. Or he would have not totaled his late 70's Vette. LOL. Only one rocker is making noise now. I should find it tomorrow. I'll snap a video during the adjustment.

[Pyrotechnic]

Gerardo, what time are you going out to the show on Saturday ?

[gchemist]

I emailed the sponsors. I'm leaving my house around 8:00 AM. It should take me about 35 minutes to arrive. Start time is 9:00. I want to be there right before they get started. I've asked for 5-7 spots for square body trucks. I've counted at least 4-5 as of today.

[Pyrotechnic]

Cool I just talked to my dad, we'll be there.