Thread: I think I have a BIG problem

Tweet

Originally Posted by jerry clayton

Jack do you know if the valve locations are offset??? It is common in sbc performance heads to put larger valves in they move the exhaust valve over so that they can also move intake valve away from edge of chamber---------Glad your sure that you don't have a geometry problem----

Whose/what company rockers are on engine and what ratio????
I've seen a few cases of the fast burn heads having valve seat ring get loose because of temp differance in aluminum head and as it moved down it holds valve open some creating an odd clattering noise before it eventauly creating a mess in the cylinder with a dropped valve, pieces then getting into intake and over to other cylinders-------

Jerry, It's ALL Chevy parts. The heads are standard Fastburn. The cam is an upgrade cam/kit made by General Motors Performance Products (GMPP) specifically for this engine, as well as the ZZ4. As you probably know, the Fastburn 385 is simply a ZZ4 short block with Fastburn heads. Here's some info from the specs.

THE FAST BURN 385 USES THE ZZ4 SHORT BLOCK AND ADS THE FAST BURN ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS FOR 385 HP. IT USES STAMPED STEEL ROCKER ARMS AND THE ZZ4 CAMSHAFT.

430 HORSEPOWER AT 6000 RPM IS ACHIEVABLE BY ADDING THE HOT CAM AND 1.6 RATIO SELF ALIGNING ROCKER ARMS.

The engine and the camshaft upgrade came straight from the GMPP catalog. These are the rockers: Rocker Arms, Stud Mount, Full Roller, Aluminum, 1.6 Ratio, Fits 3/8 in. Stud, Chevy 1987-99, 5.0, 5.7L.

The camshaft specs are: Duration at lash point in degrees (intake/exhaust) is 279/287; duration at .050" tappet lift (intake/exhaust) is 218/228; maximum lift with 1.6 rocker ratio (intake/exhaust) is 525/525. Valve lash is zero/zero and lobe centerline is 112 degrees.

As I have said several times, this was a crate engine that I picked up in Kansas City, and the camshaft/lifters were recommended by many builders at the time as a solid upgrade. Standard stuff for the day .

Jack do you want a little precaution about putting it back together or do you want to repeat your problem again----

I have used the fast burn heads and theres a few problems-------if you want me to offer some guidance about the problems I'm willing to help----otherwise, I hope your CRATE engine had free shipping

Originally Posted by jerry clayton

Jack do you want a little precaution about putting it back together or do you want to repeat your problem again----

I have used the fast burn heads and theres a few problems-------if you want me to offer some guidance about the problems I'm willing to help----otherwise, I hope your CRATE engine had free shipping

Sure, I'm open to anything. BTW, I picked up the motor myself. No shipping charges.

http://www.grumpysperformance.com/sbcoilh5a.jpg

in case this works-just to show how complicated the simple oil flow passages are in the back of a sbc

and guess where the oil pressure guage goes and how complicated it is to get oil to front of lifter gallies

Originally Posted by jerry clayton

http://www.grumpysperformance.com/sbcoilh5a.jpg
in case this works-just to show how complicated the simple oil flow passages are in the back of a sbc and guess where the oil pressure guage goes and how complicated it is to get oil to front of lifter gallies

I don't have to guess. I know that these are the two places on my block to pick up oil pressure, and I know that they are likely to show the highest pressure. If you're going to mention another tap above the timing cover just to the left side, my block doesn't have one.

This motor has very, very few miles on it, and it appears pretty obvious to me that one lifter just caught a bit of gunk.

SBC Oiling.jpg

OK ------hope you have solved the problem, and it all goes back together well===

I do wish to know whose rocker arms you have as GM didn't make them and I'd like to see the bottom side where they straggle the valve tips and the underneath radius that is closest to the spring.

Drove threw the Girard, Virden,Auburn area the other day on the way back north from the St Louis NHRA drag race---------now getting ready for possible trip to Bakersfield for the Calif Hot Rod Reunion

Originally Posted by jerry clayton

OK ------hope you have solved the problem, and it all goes back together well===
I do wish to know whose rocker arms you have as GM didn't make them and I'd like to see the bottom side where they straggle the valve tips and the underneath radius that is closest to the spring.

Photos as requested. Who knows who makes them? Chevy contracts all kinds of components. The mfg. code on the part number says 'Chevrolet Performance,' and they have a Bowtie stamp on the tip above the roller. I think you can see that they would provide better alignment than the stamped rockers with the "bumps" on them.

Rocker2.JPG

The radius clears the valve spring retainer at full lift. Not even close.

Rocker3.JPG

Thanks for the photos Jack-We see so many issues with the various combos out there---------
Are you planning on just replacing the one lifter or the whole set of 16?

Lots of bean dust from all the combines down home

Originally Posted by jerry clayton

Thanks for the photos Jack-We see so many issues with the various combos out there---------
Are you planning on just replacing the one lifter or the whole set of 16?
Lots of bean dust from all the combines down home

I'm replacing only the one on the #1 cylinder. When I disassembled the 'problem' lifter, I found a tiny bit of gunk that jammed it. After I cleaned it, it seemed to work fine, but I'm replacing it anyhow. Replacing them all doesn't make sense.

And-when was last time you were in central Illinois at harvest time???

Originally Posted by jerry clayton

And-when was last time you were in central Illinois at harvest time???

Years ago, and I'm not there any more. The car has never been there.

Sorry Jack-I thought you might have smiled at comment about it???????

Did you get the lifter changed and back together ???

Good thread just reading now and want to know if the problem is fixed!

Plans have changed -was going through the Dallas area (NHRA) this weekend on way to Bakersfield and was going to try to hook up with you and help you solve your problem but plans have changed------Bakersfield is off until March Meet so if you still have a problem maybe I can stop by---------

I'm getting it put back together, but being very careful and double/triple checking everything. I haven't fired it yet, but will do so in a week or two. I'm not in a rush.

Motor3.JPG