I have done a search with no luck on this issue:
I have vortec heads (pressed in rocker studs) with Crower SS 1.6 rockers, a GM lt4 hot cam (hydrolic roller), springs at 120lbs seat and had a machine shop cut down the valve guides. I have set the lash, 0 + 1/2 turn with poly-locks, 3 times now and still hear a lot of valvetrain noise. When resetting the rockers a few felt loose, but not loose enough to be clicking....at least I thought.
I am worried that the studs may be pulling out of the heads. Does this sound like a possibility with my combination?? Machine shop did not think it would be a problem when they cut the guides.
I really don't want to pull the heads off and cart them back to the machine shop :(
Give it to me straight, Bill.... ;)
Thx in advance-JC

One way to check the "progress" of the stud movement, if any, is to put a straight edge across the tops of the studs from time to time and see if any of them are pulling up higher than their neighbors. Not very scientific, but neither am I .

JC,
J has the right idea as far as checking to see if the studs are pulling out, use a straightedge and see if any are higher than the rest.
One thing that comes to mind ... I think that all the Vortec heads are designed to use a self aligning type rocker arm. If you have "normal" rockers, they may be moving back and forth, as there is nothing to keep the pushrod aligned properly. Look at the hole where the pushrod comes through the head ... if it is round and larger than the pushrod, you have to use self aligning rockers, or have the heads machined for screw in studs and guide plates.
Hope this helps,

OK, pulled the cover on the driver's side and used a straight edge. only one stud seems to be a little, very little, higher than the rest (maybe 1/64th).
I am using the Crower SS self aligning rockers. I did notice that there seems to be a little play between the rocker studs and the trunion holes. I can slide the rockers from side to side and hear a "click". Could this be where the noise is coming from?

Jc,
Kind of hard to tell without looking and listening. Is it possible that they sent you a set of rockers for 7/16 studs ? That would make them a little loose on the stock 3/8 studs ??

OR...I hate to say it,,,the cam could be going away,,,when its running with valve covers off,do all the rockers appear to be moving the same amount?

I thought they might be 7/16ths but on second look, the trunion/stud play is not that great. I think the play in the rockers, when wiggled, is coming more from the fact that they are retained on the valve by 2 washers on either side of the roller tip. This allows the rocker to slide back and forth a little more than I am used to. Gonna call Crower in the A.M. and see what they say.

P.S. : Engine is new and cam seems fine. I am beginning to think I'm just too paranoid. Hard not to worry about a brand new baby....er... motor ;)