3/18/03

QUESTION 1

Hello Scott,

My question is rather a simple one. I have a newly rebuilt 325 hp 396 Chevrolet with all stock components. My question is: How do I get rid of one pesky rocker that seems to tick from time to time. At warm idle it will come and go. I have done the half turn beyond zero lash method very carefully on all the rockers. I have been told that it is very difficult to get the valvetrain geometry correct after reworking the heads ‚ and that is where the noise is coming from. Therefore, I may just have to live with the sometimes ticking, sometimes quiet rocker.

I also have been told that I can go as far as one full turn of adjustment beyond zero lash and still be okay. What to you make of all this? Other than that, the engine runs perfectly and very smooth with good power.

That you for your time and advice.

Joe Schmitt
Everett, WA

Joe,

When you rebuilt the engine, did you replace the rocker arm and ball assemblies? A galled rock and ball assembly will give an intermittent rocker ticking noise. Most aftermarket cam companies offer a high performance rocker ball which has sipes cut into its surface for better oiling. I would look there first.

Scott

QUESTION 2

Scott,

Iím trying to set up a car with a blown and injected alcohol system that I can pump fuel from the back of the car to the holding tank in front and then return to the rear tank. My injection pump would draw fuel from the holding tank and my bypass line would tie into my fuel inlet line.

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Hereís my question: If I pump fuel from a tank in the rear of the car to a holding tank in the front via a 3/8-inch line and return from holding tank to rear with a 5/8-inch line, would the holding tank be under pressure? And do you think this would work?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Ron

Dear Ron,

What you are trying to do is a tricky set up which usually results in burned pistons. I suggest that you install a tank in the front of your vehicle somehow and eliminate the back tank.

If you insist on the rear tank, you will need volume. You should run a holding tank large enough to make a quarter-mile pass (3-5 gallons).

You need to supply your holding tank with large line from the rear tank (#12 line minimum) and feed it with a large volume electric pump. Your holding tank needs a float system in it to control the electric pump to prevent overflow. Your return line should feed into your holding tank.

Good luck.
Scott