rocker arms

[dwight]

I have a 2000 malibu v-6, 3.1 engine. I replaced i replaced lower intake gasket. I loosened rocker arms. The manual says torque to 168 in. lbs then rotate 30 degrees. How do you do rotate 30 degrees and which way do you rotate it, clockwise or counter clockwise.

[J Wikoff]

You'll turn them 30 degrees tighter, so clockwise. I normally use the wrench handle and nearby objects as reference. I've seen people use a round object (like a steering wheel) with the angle marked on it. Make sure it has a hole in the middle large enough to clear the bolt and your socket. Hold it in place and turn your wrench from the start mark to the end mark.

Since they have an angle callout, those bolts are likely torque-to-yeild, which means they shouldn't be reused. Did you double check that?

[dwight]

Does that mean i have to buy new ones if so how much do they cost. I assume you mean the rocker arm bolts.

[J Wikoff]

Yep. I don't know how much they cost.

www.gaownersclub.com has a write-up and probably mentions the bolts.

[dwight]

Can you tell me why they have to be changed and what will happen if i don't change them, for my own information.

[00Beast]

They are designed to be stretched to spec (what torquing does) once, and are junk after that. There's a very good chance they will loosen up and you'll be back at square one, probably with broken pushrods and other damage. Just replace them, they're not that expensive.

[J Wikoff]

They are permanently stretched once they were tightened to spec the first time. Stretching them again greatly reduces their strength and are much more likely to loosen or break.