Rich
Here's something to mull over in your quest for a tap free engine. I've included pictures to illustrate my points.
Here are pictures comparing stock bottleneck rocker stud to an ARP rocker stud. First thing you'll notice is that the ARP stud looks straight compared to the stock bottleneck (profile view). ARP studs & BB Chevy studs are similar. The straight studs are less likely to break. They also offer the advantage of being able to make the valvetrain adjustable. Disadvantage, if you want to call it that,
is that you need some type of poly lock or other self locking nuts. Stock Pontiac jam nuts will not work. The jam nut works by bottoming against the shoulder where the step is on the upper shank. (Smooth to threaded area)
Second thing you should notice is the top of the respective studs. The ARP stud is ground flat and at a 90* angle to the side of the stud. This provides a nice flat surface to lock a polylock set screw down onto.
On the other hand, the Pontiac stud is very crude on their top finish. I think you'll find that all Pontiac rocker studs have a dish in them. And the top of this particular stud is not even close to 90* with the side of the stud. How can anyone expect a set screw to seat and lock against an uneven surface like this?
And this is a picture of a 25 year old polylock. I don't know how a Kool Nut compares, but I don't see how it can be much different. What do they have that this doesn't, an anodized finish?
Now, I know that Mike (fb_rider) is using Kool Nuts and as far as I know, he's not experiencing any problems with his rocker adjustment loosening up.
But you Rich, on the other hand, are experiencing nothing but greif.
Try looking at the top of your rocker studs. That's where I think your problem is, unless of course your lobes are going flat, which is another possibility.
You said a while back that Summit said you didn't need to use adjusting nuts. I don't agree, but then that's my opinion. An adjustable valvetrain will allow you to achieve the maximum lift and performance from your cam.
If you really think that going back to the stock jam nuts will solve your problem, then do it. If nothing else, if the lifters stop clattering, then you'll know that it's the Kool Nuts loosening up. And the cause for that is probably the tops of the rockers.
But if you are going to change them, then change all the nuts, not just the ones that are loose now. Otherwise, your engine may run rough with some valves opening more than others.
Something to look at and think about.
