Worn rocker arms?

ASSISTANCE Stock Engine-Bay Components
1

I have a question for the engine gurus here. I have 135k miles on my teg, and I adjusted the valves about 3k ago, and it sounded great for about 2k, and now it sounds like it needs adjusting again. I know newer integras don’t have to worry about this sooo often, so would replacing my rocker arms help this or what is it that is not keeping spec? I always torque the nut on the adjusting screw tight, so what gives? I also adjusted the valves at 130k and it needed it again at 133k. My car does see redline, but why do these valves keep needing servicing?

Thanks,
Shaun Ladd

2

What are you torqueing the locknuts down to?? Are you actually using a torque wrench or just tightening the hell out of it with a wrench??

Do you make sure to check the specs AFTER you torque down the lock nut to make sure the adjustment didnt go off during the torque sequence??

Later,
BR

3

Actually I just tighten them,but I usually check the clearances after tightening to make sure they are still ok. What do you think? I could try using a toquewrench to see if that affects anything, but i broke mine and they are expensive. Damn, I guess I have to spend the money to get one.

Thanks

4

Yeah, I suggest that you torque them down correctly and then figure out if you have a problem or not. You cant just tighten them down to what you think is right and then when something goes wrong assume that there is a defective part in your engine. Just go out and spend the money for a good torque wrench and get it done.
Sears has some really good wrenches for about $70 each. I have two of them and they can do every torque spec that our cars call for.

Personally, I have never heard of a rocker assembly going bad like that.

5

I don’t know if it is bad or not. I just was wondering if something could be worn out since the valves were in bad need of adjustment when I purchased the car and the previous owner was not as excited about maintanance as I am, even though my valve adjustments may not be as to spec as Acura requires. Maybe cause I am not in practice with adjusting these valves. I have only done it about 4 times total so far, so maybe that is the problem too. But after I adjust them, the engine sounds great. I will pick up a torque wrench and try again.

Thanks,
Shaun

6

i cant see the arms really wearing down, b/c any wear on the arms will be made up when you readjust the valves…i suppose the lock nuts on the adjustment screws could “wear” a little and not retain tension as well, but i seriously doubt that. but the arms themselves are probably fine