Rockers moving

[93cummins89]

Once again I seek the advice of the diesel wiz. I took my rocker (valve?) covers off to clean and paint. I was wiggling one rocker and noticed that most of them move back and forth plus up and down like they are loose. Should this be or do I got big problems. 1993 5.9 5spd D350.

[oldestof11]

The head bolt is what holds them down... So I would try tightening those up first.

[DMan1198]

Due to the design of the setup they will move a little along the shaft, and because these engines don't run hydraulic lifters there needs to be a little gap (.008-.012" on the intake, and .018-.022" on the exhaust) without that valve lash there your valves will end up being pushed open a little when hot, and it won't run right.

[93cummins89]

ok so no issue there then because they dont move alot. just forward and back on the rocker shaft and up/down on the rods and springs. will defiantly check the torque on the head and rock pedestals.
thanks guys

[DMan1198]

Probably best to check the valve lash while you're in there. Get it to tdc #1, and provided both rockers on #1 are loose then set intake #1,2,4 exhaust #1,3,5, then turn it 360*, and set intake #3,5,6, and exhaust #2,4,6. I prefer setting them .010" intake, and .020" exhaust

[93cummins89]

its a little late now as the truck is back together but ill have to add it to my list of truck-to-dos