I started the install of the roller cam. The solid lifter cam that was in the motor was barely broken in maybe 75 miles, I did lash the valves a few times during its short run and always noticed the number 1 intake rocker was difficult to move side to side, and it always felt like I was tightening it to tight. When I got the intake off, I had a chance to inspect the parts, first when I spin the push rod it hits a tight spot in the rotation,but I can twist it past. Everything looks ok, just dont understand the strange feel from this rocker. The lifter looks ok and the lobe surface appears to be convex. I thought the pushrod might be bent but when I roll it on a flat table it looks straight. Any suggestions or have any of you guys experianced this.

On another front, does a roller cam require any special kind of pre-lube and the Isky red zone lifters. I soaked the lifters in acetone to remove the cosmoline(that stuff is impossible what solvent breaks it down). And put the lifters in a beaker of clean oil. I hope this is adequate.

One more question, is it necessary to fill the cylinders with air to remove the valve springs with the head bolted on. Will the seals hold the valves with out the air or is that risky.

Thanks Rich

Originally posted by 67ragtp:
I started the install of the roller cam. The solid lifter cam that was in the motor was barely broken in maybe 75 miles, I did lash the valves a few times during its short run and always noticed the number 1 intake rocker was difficult to move side to side, and it always felt like I was tightening it to tight. When I got the intake off, I had a chance to inspect the parts, first when I spin the push rod it hits a tight spot in the rotation,but I can twist it past. Everything looks ok, just dont understand the strange feel from this rocker. The lifter looks ok and the lobe surface appears to be convex. I thought the pushrod might be bent but when I roll it on a flat table it looks straight. Any suggestions or have any of you guys experianced this.

On another front, does a roller cam require any special kind of pre-lube and the Isky red zone lifters. I soaked the lifters in acetone to remove the cosmoline(that stuff is impossible what solvent breaks it down). And put the lifters in a beaker of clean oil. I hope this is adequate.

One more question, is it necessary to fill the cylinders with air to remove the valve springs with the head bolted on. Will the seals hold the valves with out the air or is that risky.

Thanks Rich =
Hi Rich,
If these are Dart or Merlin heads first check to be sure the pushrod is not up against the side of the head down where it passes the port. I have seen this on more than one occasion.

If that isn't it, move the pushrod to another position & see if it is the pushrod, rocker or lifter.
It sounds like either the end of the pushrod is not machined perfect or possibly the lifter or rocker pocket if the pushrod is straight.
Inspect everything very carefully to be sure nothing is galling or looking suspect.

Regular solvent, brakekleen or even gas will clean them then just drop em in a can of clean engine oil & let them soak.

You should either fill the cylinders with air if you have the fitting or put some wire or heavy string or light rope into the cylinder to keep the valves up.

I really prefer air & I like to have the piston at TDC or very close so if something happens the valves can only drop as far as the piston.

If the piston is up doing it with just the seals is not risky as the valves can only drop to the piston but it is a bit hard as the valves will probably want to drop down when you are putting on the locks.

And thanks again for letting us help you graemlins/beers.gif