Valve chatter

[Simms]

I just finished installing my Jesel rockers. I used a 7.65 T&D pushrod, which checked out good in measuring. Talking to Tator, Roe, Macedo etc. they all agreed to go around 1.5 turns past zero lash with the Jesels. This is assuming it takes around a 1/2 turn from the adjusters seated position to reach zero lash. Plus, the Jesels don't recomend you go more than 2 turns from the seated position.
Now, my 2-10 cylinders were anywhere from 1/2 turn to 3/4 of a turn from the seated position to reach zero lash. However, on the odd number cylinders, I had a few pushrods take a full 1 turn from the seated positon to reach zero lash (which is acceptable according to the Jesel instructions, it gives plenty of adjustment). SO, because the max is two turns down according to Jesel, I took ALL rockers only 1 turn past seated position. I'm assuming everything so far is good.
So now it was time to fire her up. One problem, my battery is a little low from leaving the doors open during the install of my 6 point harnesses a few hours earlier. So as usual my car doens't like to idle very well without a fully charged battery. I fired it up and let it run only about 20 seconds or so since the car wouldn't idle very good. But the valve chatter was very noticable. My question is HOW LONG DO YOU HAVE TO LET THE CAR IDLE BEFORE THE VALVE CHATTER SHOULD GET QUIETER? I'm letting the car charge overnight so it will idle properly tomarrow. I'm hoping after a minute or so of normal idling the chatter will get quieter.

[Jack B]

The clatter should clear up after a short time. The exception would be a rocker that does not have any preload. Another exception would be a rocker that was adjusted too far down, hence, you are restricting the oil. Just because oil flows when you crank the engine does not mean that you have adequete flow at operating rpm.

It is real simple, just pull the cover and verify that you have preload. Even if the lifter is spongy you can still feel (at tdc) if there is any clearance. If you find a rocker with clearance merely remove the the slop and adjust approximately one turn down. Be careful not to exceed the two turns down from full up or you will restrict the oil and weaken the rocker.

[Simms]

Thanks Jack. How long is "a short time"? Something like a minute of normal idling?
I doubt I have a rocker with any slop (unless something could have changed during start up) but maybe the two turn down is restricting oil flow. I know I did not exceed the 2 turns though.
After some proper idling tomarrow I'll pull the covers again if the chatter doesnt' stop.
Thanks again Jack.

[Simms]

Loud chatter is now gone, you can just slightly hear them now. Any break in period for new rockers?