Two types of swivel feet.

Setting the swivel feet.

Adjusting the feet.

Setting the feet after adjustment.

Rocker boxes with arms installed.

All done.

     Through the years there have been numerous swivel feet used and although they all work, I prefer what I call the cup type over the ball type. I feel that they give better swivel foot to valve stem contact. No matter what type of swivel foot you use, they must be set properly so as to retain the correct rocker arm ratio. The bottom of the swivel foot should be .456 from the bottom of the rocker arm. There are numerous ways to do this, but the method I use is quick and accurate. I temporarily remove the swivel foot closest to the pushrod from the arm and install a tool with a .456 spacer. Then I adjust the swivel foot furthest from the pushrod until it just touches the bar of the tool without deflecting it and lock it in place with the jam unit. I remove the tool and replace the swivel foot but turn it all the way in for adjustment later. This is done to all the rocker arms.

     When installing rocker boxes on heads, make sure 0-rings are in place and swivel feet are flat on valve stems. Torque to 200 inch/pounds and then to 240 inch/pounds.

     Depending if you are using one piece or adjustable pushrods, the procedure will be slightly different. If you are using one piece push rods, be sure they are the right length. Do not assume because they came in a kit they are correct, because chances are they are not. Turn the engine over so that the lifter you are working on is at its lowest point. The push rod should spin using two fingers and slight pressure. You can change the swivel foot you previously adjusted but it is suggested that you turn it no more than a half a turn in either direction. Once that is done, turn down the swivel foot closest to the pushrod until it just touches the top of the valve stem and set lock nut. Repeat for this procedure for the three other rocker arms.

     If you are using adjustable pushrods, follow the same procedure by turning the engine so the lifter is at its lowest point. Take all of the slack out of the push rod and adjust out the number of turns recommended by manufacturer. The turns neces­sary may vary due to the amount of threads per inch. Do not change the adjustment of a pre-set swivel foot. Set the swivel foot closest to the pushrod as previously described.

     Oil rocker arms, swivel feet, and general rocker box so you have plenty of oil there until the engine pumps some up. Install rocker box covers, close up pushrod covers, etc. When ready, start the engine. You should not hear any valve train noise. On some occasions there may be some noise for a second or two until the lifters pump up, but that should go away as soon as the system is well oiled.

     Now I have some news for you. American Quantum Cycles, a motorcycle manufacturing company in Melbourne, Florida, has bought the rights to these four-valve heads. They have improved the tolerances, made refinements to them, and are featuring them on their motorcycle. They are using the cup style swivel feet and have come up with a new, thicker rocker box gasket that has a bead of silicone built into it. The gasket virtually stops all cover leaks. Of course, all the other parts you may need in order to repair your set of four-valve heads and rocker boxes are available. New four valve head assemblies and complete four valve big twin engines are also available.

-Rogue