Is the rocker arm on a Pontiac too tight?

After two decades of hands-on with various Pontiac V8 engines, we find that insufficient attention is given to rocker arm adjustment. Proper engine operation and optimal performance will not be reached if your rocker arm adjustment is to tight or too loose, apart from other aspects.

What causes lifter valves to open and close?

The oil inside pushes the rocker arms further away from the camshaft, which causes the valves to open further. Oil pressure failures are usually at the root of lifter tapping, also known as lifter collapse.

Where is the POA valve on a 134a compressor?

Typical 134a charge rate will be approximately 70-80% of the factory R12 charge amount. The POA Valve is installed on the evaporator, near the firewall. (Click here for a typical photo) Change or restore the filter-drier. Drain the compressor oil and recharge with 134a compatible (PAG or Ester Oil) oil.

Where is the TDC on a Pontiac rocker arm?

Locate TDC on #1 by locating the ‘0’ on the timing tab with the harmonic balancer line. You can determine whether it’s really the #1 cylinder a couple of ways. One way is too look at the hydraulic lifters. If the hydraulic lifters are down and level you’re on # 1 TDC.

What causes low oil pressure in Pontiac V-8?

The basic design works sufficiently for the intended applications, but its main weakness is its ball-type bypass valve. Should debris get caught between the check ball and seat, excessively low oil at idle pressure can result. Melling produces several different oil pumps for the Pontiac V-8.

What kind of oil pump does a Pontiac have?

The Pontiac oil pump is relatively simple. Its cast body houses two spur gears that draw in, pressurize, and disperse oil throughout the engine. A ball-type pressure-relief valve regulates oil pressure to 40-, 60-, or 80-psi depending on the unit and engine build conditions.

How many rows are in a Pontiac head?

PONTIAC HEAD CHART CASTING NUMBER YEAR & FACTORY APPLICATION CHAMBER VOL# CC’S NOTEWORTHY ATTRIBUTES 62 68 & 69 GTO AUTO TRANS 75 16 68 GTO MANUAL TRANS 72 17 68 350 TEMPEST 72 1.96/1.66 18 68 350 HO 68 1.96/1.66

What to do about pushrod rocker arms on GM 3400?

If they are the rocker arm studs may have pulled the threads out of the cylinder head. If that happened you would need to drill tap and using Helli-Coil to repair. I just completed this job, and after assembly car worked and ran fine. Made a test drive of 3-5 miles, Axel from stop as well as while moving.

Do you need to adjust rocker arms on a Pontiac?

Whether you have decided to stay with the stock type stamped rocker arms or Competition Cams Magnum Rollers Rockers as pictured here, or something far more exotic, you will need to adjust valve lash. Torquing the adjusting nut per the old Chilton’s to 20-25 ft pounds won’t work on any heads that have been milled.