Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Proper Rocker Arm Torque & Tightening
I just discovered a rocker arm on my small block that loosened up and popped off the stud. It kinda mangled the threads on the stud, so I’m going to […]
Post Tagged with: "valvetrain tech"
Q&A
Q&A
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Are There Benefits of Staggered Rocker Arms?
Why do some engine builders stagger the rocker arms, 1.6 on the intake and 1.5 on the exhaust? Is there any benefit in doing that?G.L. This is a great question and […]
Q&A / Tech
Ask Away with Jeff Smith: How to Choose the Right Pushrod Length for Taller Lifters on a Big Block Chevy 454
I’ve got a 454 big-block Chevy that I’ve installed a hydraulic roller cam which also meant I had to also use taller hydraulic roller lifters. With it all bolted back […]
Tech Articles
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Troubleshooting Valve Train on Small Block Chevy 355
I have a 355 c.i.d. small-block Chevy with a big cam, decent compression, and production iron heads. The cam is an Isky 268/272 at 0.050 with 0.640-inch lift. It has […]
Q&A
Mailbag: What is Valve Spring Coil Bind?
Q: What is valve spring coil bind? … A: Coil bind happens when the valve spring is fully compressed. The coils of the spring contact each other. This stops the […]
Q&A
Mailbag: What is Valve Float and How Do You Fix It?
Q: What is valve float? … A: Valve float is basically when the valvetrain gets out of control. There are two types of valve float: Loft and Bounce. Loft happens […]
Tech
Making the Most of Modern Flat Tappet Camshafts and Lifters
Camshafts and lifters are available in two basic formats—roller and flat tappet. And then within those two formats, they can either be of the mechanical (solid), or hydraulic variety. Fair […]
Videos & Galleries
Video: Top 10 Reasons for Camshaft and Lifter Failure
Camshafts are often erroneously blamed for valvetrain problems. Our friends at COMP Cams set the record straight in today’s video. It highlights several critical issues that are related to camshaft […]
Parts / Product Profiles
A Closer Look at Jesel’s Solid Tie Bar Roller Lifters
There are many roller lifters available today. They range in quality from so-so to over the top. On the over-the-top end of the scale is the lineup from Jesel. Jesel […]
Q&A / Tech
Mailbag: Checking Hydraulic Lifter Preload with Non-Adjustable Rockers
Q: We have a 1974 Ford F-100 pickup we use as a tow vehicle. It has a 360-cubic-inch two-barrel engine running Crane stock replacement cam and “anti-pump-up” hydraulic lifters. The heads […]
