Backing off valves

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vestracing

vestracing

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Up for discussion, back the valves off or leave them and rotate engine every week. Putting the dart up for the winter and wanted everyone's thoughts.
 
I spray some fog oil in my 440 and let it stall out, then plug the exhaust pipes with tennis balls. Wouldn't hurt to back the rocker arms off though, if you have the time.
 
Hyd or mechanical? if its Hyd, the lifter bleads down. aka backs off the valve for you. if its a mechanical cam, i would back them off for the winter.
 
Cudafever said:
Hyd or mechanical? if its Hyd, the lifter bleads down. aka backs off the valve for you. if its a mechanical cam, i would back them off for the winter.
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I agree, if a solid, it will take the tension off the springs.
 
Big Mechanical, I backed them off last night. Are you guys pulling the shafts all the way off? When I backed them off it did relieve all the pressure.
 
Unless you're talking about a very large cam with 600 plus lift, I am not sure through the winter is long enough to do any damage.
 
I might be a horrible person...but I just park it most of the time......I always say I'm going to start it once a month, but I might start it once during the whole winter...Not saying its right, but so far it has survived. Every few years I do it right and just pull the shafts.

Having said that, I will probably just pull the shafts this winter. I always get busy doing other things and forget :violent1:
 
I have never done it but it sounds like a good idea. The nice thing about backing off the shafts is that you don't loose adjustment. tmm
 
flyfish said:
I might be a horrible person...but I just park it most of the time......I always say I'm going to start it once a month, but I might start it once during the whole winter...Not saying its right, but so far it has survived. Every few years I do it right and just pull the shafts.

Having said that, I will probably just pull the shafts this winter. I always get busy doing other things and forget :violent1:
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Same here
 
I back off the shafts every year. In the spring, after tightening down the shafts, I run the valves for clearence, then I'm set for the season.


It makes me feel better. :)
 
How are you guys backing off the shafts without warping them? I must be missing something cause I am confused. Maybe I need another lesson in installing the shafts as we'll. are you torquing them down with the pushrods in place and using the bolts to compress the springs while you torque them down?
 
I just back them off as even as I can. Watching the shaft and knowing what valves have the most pressure. And yes tighten them back down as even as possible. Done this for years and never had any problems.
 
Why can't you just pull the carb and put a cover on the intake ? And block off exhaust ?
 
moparisbest said:
I know that . But will it work are not ? It was a question ,not a statement .
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The main reason for backing off the rocker shafts is to save your springs. Having a 500# spring compressed for 6 months is probably not that great for it...it makes sense. A secondary benefit is it seals up the motor.

To the OP, Just back the shafts off slowly and evenly, then put them back on the same way...slowly and evenly (1/4 to 1/2 a turn at a time). This is the only way I have ever put mine on...I don't think I could get the push rods in after installing the rocker shafts.....well, I could...but it would be a PAIN in the 8 3/4....:D
 
Change the oil, fog it, drain the block and cooling system, back off the rockers and then back off the shafts. Pack the car with drier sheets, and leave it alone until spring.
 
Thanks everyone for the advise. I will get the shafts backed off this weekend.

Thanks again!
 
flyfish said:
The main reason for backing off the rocker shafts is to save your springs. Having a 500# spring compressed for 6 months is probably not that great for it...it makes sense. A secondary benefit is it seals up the motor.

To the OP, Just back the shafts off slowly and evenly, then put them back on the same way...slowly and evenly (1/4 to 1/2 a turn at a time). This is the only way I have ever put mine on...I don't think I could get the push rods in after installing the rocker shafts.....well, I could...but it would be a PAIN in the 8 3/4....:D
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Ok now I get it,I was thanking you we're only backing them off to close the valves so that the cylinders wouldn't rust never thought about the springs . I have close to .600 inch lift cam in mine with 6.1 roller rockers comp cams double springs . Is it bad to just start the engine twice a month and let it get up to temp and shut it off. Rather than putting it in total hibernation mode ?
 
moper said:
Change the oil, fog it, drain the block and cooling system, back off the rockers and then back off the shafts. Pack the car with drier sheets, and leave it alone until spring.
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Whats the Drier Sheets for or do?
 
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