[BuddyK]

I have just built a 350 SBC with a Hydralic flat tappet cam and installed a set of Comp Cams Pro Magnum roller rockers. This is the first set of roller rockers I've ever installed. I thought I had them installed correctly. I adjusted valves to zero lash and then another 1/4 turn and tightened the center socket screw to lock rocker nut in place. Once I started engine and ran it for about 10 minutes during breakin, it started popping back thru the carb. I shut it down and checked the valves to find 1 rocker completly off the pushrod and several others with the adjusting nuts very loose! Can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong so I can get this motor broke in and running!??
Thanks

[engineczar]

What year SBC? Later years required either self aligning rockers or guideplates.

[BuddyK]

It's a '79 model motor. I installed screw in studs and guide plates with the rockers.
Thanks

[k-star]

What process are you using to make sure the lifter is on the base circle of the cam when setting the lash???

Are the top of the screw-in studs flat, like arps???? or are they cup shaped like the stock studs??

Keith

[TorqueJunky]

This sounds like it might be similar to the same thing I did when I first put mine one. When you are done adjusting them don't just tighten the lock screw. You want to actually tighten it and turn the adjusting nut back to the left so that you are twisting them into each other. There is also a special adjustment tool to make this process easier but it is not necessary. This should keep them from loosening on you, if you already did all this then just disregard this.

[BuddyK]

I set the initial lash with intake off watching lifters close then would adjust that valve and move to the next one. The rocker studs are flat on top.

Thanks TorqueJunky for the post. I was not doing this. I was only tighting the lock screw. I will give your method a try.
Thanks to all for your help and replies!

[GMC boogie]

Make sure the guide plates are aligned properly so that the rocker is riding square on the valve stem.

[F&J]

I would also take that one rocker off to make sure that nothing is hitting. I had one new built 350 to put in a guys rod truck, and the roller rockers didn't have correct clearance and were hitting the studs or bosses. I had to relief grind the rockers a little.

This motor was new but no specs as to cam, rockers or aluminum heads.

[T-bucket23]

The proper procedure is to bring it to zero lash, tighten the set screw till it is snug and then turn both the screw and the outer casing both otgether the last 1/4 turn. This is the way I have always done it and they dont loosten up.