Proper valve tapper adjustment

[ChevySepticGuy]

Hi Guys,

I took the valve cover off the truck the other day because I noticed one of the tappers was ticking.

I also noticed small curls of smoke coming out from around the valve cover seal.

So i took the cover off and realized my valve cover gasket was garbage and all brittle. I replaced both valve covers and was able to tighten the tapper down that was ticking.

I also tightened a few other of the tappers that were loose (not too tight though).

My big problem now is...

One of the valve cover gaskets started leaking again! when i took the valve cover off i realized that it burned this one too! just in a matter of a week! It is getting burned right in the middle at the bottom (closest to the exhaust manifolds).

And...

one of the tapper started ticking again and I tried to tighten it up, but it won't stop now.

I'm all screwed up on the amount of torque that is supposed to be on those tapper nuts now!

I'm afraid i might have a few too tight!

I've tried to find the torque rating in the Chilton's book i have but i can't find it anywhere!

Please help me guy! I can't use the truck unless i get this fixed! Well... I guess i could but, I don't want to do any damage to her.

Also, what would you recomend I do about the valve cover gaskets?


Thanks,

Look forward in hearing from you!  

"Chevy Septic Guy"
1985 Chevrolet Custom Deluxe C30 (1 ton) 350.

[VileZambonie]

They are not tappers. I think you mean tappets? Those are rocker arms and you are tightening the rocker arm nut. There is no torque spec there is an adjustment procedure and you are probably overtightening them. Adjusting them from zero lash on the base circle of the cam plus 3/4 turn clockwise usally is just fine for stock applications. Your valve cover gasket sounds like it was improperly installed and that you may have not removed all of the old gasket material.

[ChevySepticGuy]

Thanks for the info!

Sorry for calling them tappers. I'll adjust those nuts.

The gasket on the valve cover is pretty much screwed now.

I put a bead of red "Copper Plus" RTV sealant on the valve cover and tightened it back on, but i don't think it worked. Is there a better way of creating a good seal?

I've noticed a couple of "caulking gun type" RTV sealant tubes at my local truck parts store. Would this stufff be better than the small toothpaste type tubes of "Copper plus" RTV sealant?

Thanks for the help!

[Lt.Del]

Warped valve cover????

Take that joker off and put it on something you know is flat.  See if there is any gap raising in the middle of the cover.

If so, try putting two gaskets on each valve cover and tightening them down.

I bet that buring oil on the exhaust manifold is smelly--and smoky.


You can get those things that fit under your valve cover bolts that spread the pressure out a little. they are about three inches long and puts pressure on the cover away from the bolt.

SgtDel
aka "Andy"

www.delbridge.net

1979 Big 10 383 stroker
1991 Blu 'Burb 3/4 ton 4x4

Edited by: SgtDel  at: 12/19/06 9:19 pm

[ChevySepticGuy]

Hey guys,

wow, nice looking valve covers!

Yeah, I have those "hold-down metal strips."

I'll set the valve cover on something flat to see what I have.

I was talking to my mechanic today and he asked what type of gaskets I used. When I told them that I used those cork/rubber combo gaskets he shook his head and said i should have used the rubber ones. He also told me not to bother with sealant. I guess a good rubber one will do the trick according to him.

Oh well....I tried!....urg!

Thanks guys!
Happy Holidays!

"Chevy Septic Guy"
1985 Chevrolet Custom Deluxe C30 (1 ton) 350.

[roundedline]

Here is the tech article for adjusting the valves:
73-87.com/7387garage/driv...lvlash.htm

I would use just a rubber gasket.  Don't crank down on it though.  You only want it to be snug.

Chris Lucas
www.73-87chevytrucks.com
www.captkaoscustoms.com
Project Su
Jimmy 2WD Project