LS-7 Rocker Arm Installation

[Dicecal]

The service manual has a specific procedure that requires starting at TDC. Most folks say you can just torque them all down to 22 ft/lbs regaurdless of the valve position. Is it safe to do that? What are the risks? Whats the best way to find TDC on these engines?...Thanks!

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
Follow the service manual procedure to the letter.
I personally have seen lifters pump up and then NOT bleed down, creating bent valves.
Allthebest, c4c5

[Dicecal]

Originally Posted by c4c5specialist

HI there,
Follow the service manual procedure to the letter.
I personally have seen lifters pump up and then NOT bleed down, creating bent valves.
Allthebest, c4c5

Thanks for the input, I was planning on following the service manual. Just was not sure how to find TDC on the engine. It's tough to see inside the #1 spark plug hole. I think I found TDC, but not sure. I am assuming as long as the valve is closed, I should be ok to install the rocker?

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
Normally, I simply use a pencil.
As you rotate the engine around after you see the intake valve close, rotate the crankshaft about 180 degrees.
Using the pencil, you will be able to insert it and touch the piston crown.
As the person continues, you can see the pencil move. Once it stops moving UP, you know your just at TDC.
Allthebest, c4c5

[Eric D]

The easiest thing to do is find TDC for number 1. You will know you are close when both valves are in the close position. Watch the sparkplug hole for the piston and move the crankshaft slowly until you see the top of the piston in the sparkplug hole. Once you have this, set the rockers for #1 cylinder, then rotate the crankshaft 90° and set #8 cylinder, another 90° and set #7 and so-forth through the firing order until all have been tighten. Firing order, 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3.