Engine HELP!!!!

[brewie212]

Hey guys, wondering if anyone could be so kind as to guide me though a little nut tightening procedures. I have a 73 bronco that I pulled the 302 out of and tore down to the block to clean and rebuild. My problem is that things seem to come apart easier then they go back together. I need help with tightening the rocker arms down. I have read so many different things. That I should tighten them in the firing order, I have heard that I should just torque them down to 25lbs and call it a day. One guy I talked to scared the poo out of me and told me if I do it wrong I can destroy the heads. I don't want to do that. I am just a rookie trying to get some advice from you vets. Can any of you help? Thanks guys. Oh, just for shits and giggles, I have all the push rods in their original positions and I have the timing set to the TC on the harmonic balancer. The only thing is that I have already reinstalled my manifold. Do I need to remove it to see were the lifters are? I just really dont want to have to tell my wife that I have to spend a g on new heads.

[johnpaulgolf]

BroncoMatt should have the answers... :popc1:


:popc1:


:popc1:

[blazinchuck]

I dont think I would have the intake on. I seem to remember, its easier with that off, so you can spin the push rods with your fingers. I dont think you need to worry about TDC either. I think what needs to happen...
1. rotate the engine until until each(intake and exhaust) valve are in the closed position-per cylinder.
2. spin the push rod with fingers and tighten the rocker nut until the spinning just stops.
3. then tighten the nut 1/2 turn extra. that should be about right.

I hope this is correct, it's been awhile for me. Maybe someone with more experience will correct me and help ya,Chuck

[DeTowman]

the only question i have is about the stud the rocker arm sits on, course or fine thread? course thread is adjustable..fine thread u run it down and torque to 25ftlbs...:biggthumpup:

[brewie212]

If had to guess I would say that they are fine threaded

[broncomatt]

Ok, first what rocker arm set up are you using? if its the stock set up its fairly easy. If your using aftermarket roller rockers and guide plates it gets more complicated.
You can have the intake on, its just harder to see the lifters. You still can spin the push rods at the top. You most likely wont hurt the heads, worst case I have ever seen was someone who over tightend the rockers bent the push rods.
My first suggestion is to get a good service manual. That will walk you threw the procedure depending on which year and style rockers and lifters you have.
I have all 3 of the service manuals, but no way to scan them for you.
Its a 3 step procedure, you'll need a torqe wrench to be accurate.
A basic over view for stock positive stop type mounting stud, mark 3 spots on the crank pully #1 is tdc(if you look at it like a clock, #1 is 12, #2 is 6, #3 is 3). Starting on tdc, tighten( torqe spec is 18-20ft lbs) cyl 1,7,8 intake rockers, 1,5,4 exhast rockers.
rotate 180 degrees to the second mark, tighten 5,4 intake, 2,6 exhast.
rotate to mark #3, tighten 2,3,6 intake, 3,7,8 exhast.
This is from a chiltons manual for 1970 and up 302 with positive stop rockers.
If your using the roller type rockers the adjustment is completly diffrent and I cant type all of the procedure down. Its just something I would have to show you how to do. Most rocker kits come with explicet instructions.
Be sure to have soaked the lifters in oil before putting them in, and a dab of assembly lube on the rocker contact points before final assembly.
Broncomatt

[brewie212]

bronco Matt, I don't know how to post pics on this but wondering if you could give me your email, so I could send you some pics to identify exactly what I have. I can follow directions fairly well so I feel you can walk me though fairly easily. I really approciate your help. tarinewa@aol.com is my email.

[brewie212]

I think I figured out how to post pics. yay for me CRAP

[brewie212]

ok I think I got it really:banghead:

[bucketobolts]

Looks like positive stop non-adjustable studs/rockers. Follow Matt's procedure for torquing them.