SB rockers hitting springs and retainers
I just did a teardown of a [apparently] good running engine to check condition, clearances and to replace all the gaskets and seals due the to fact that their age was causing numerous oil leaks. I was surprised (because I put 5000 miles on the engine) to find evidence that the stock stamped rockets were hitting the spring and or retainers. I attached a picture. It looks like the damaged area could have been caused by a grinder, but the rounding of one intake cam lope and heavy lifter base wear suggests the spring/retainer and rockers were making improper contact and binding. To give a little more background the rockers shaft was shimmed previous to me owning the car.
I need some advice and have several questions. I will summarize here that I am looking at the possible replacement of the stock retainers and rocker shaft and of course the cam and lifters. I am willing to spend money, but am on a budget.
1) I have read that this was a common problem is small blocks. True or false?
2) I noticed the "step" inside the retainer allows the spring to be pushed laterally. I would estimate the top of the spring can be pushed laterally about .125" when pushed to the furthest extreme away from the rocker shaft to the opposite extreme when pushed toward the rocker shaft. There in no play in the valve guide and the measurement of the inside retainer step revealed that all this slot is by design. Unless the is a reason, which I happen to be ignorant of, that level of slop seems unnecessary. If there is an aftermarket retainer with a larger diameter step it could retain the spring as much as .60" more away from the rockers which may be enough to stop the contact. Does any one know if this slop is necessary or has anyone used a aftermarket retainer to take up all this slop?
3) I am looking at Speedmaster's Stainless Rockers, part number PCE261.1181 because rocker shaft spacers were shaped like narrow washers and the small contact area probably allowed the rocker shaft to shift toward the springs over time. I am looking to get a new rocker assembly that will allow me to dump the spacers. Anyone used this item before?
If you've read to this point, thank you for your patience. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
PCE261.1181#sthash.1igeUZw1.dpuf
PCE261.1181#sthash.1igeUZw1.dpuf
PCE261.1181#sthash.1igeUZw1.dpuf
I just did a teardown of a [apparently] good running engine to check condition, clearances and to replace all the gaskets and seals due the to fact that their age was causing numerous oil leaks. I was surprised (because I put 5000 miles on the engine) to find evidence that the stock stamped rockets were hitting the spring and or retainers. I attached a picture. It looks like the damaged area could have been caused by a grinder, but the rounding of one intake cam lope and heavy lifter base wear suggests the spring/retainer and rockers were making improper contact and binding. To give a little more background the rockers shaft was shimmed previous to me owning the car.
I need some advice and have several questions. I will summarize here that I am looking at the possible replacement of the stock retainers and rocker shaft and of course the cam and lifters. I am willing to spend money, but am on a budget.
1) I have read that this was a common problem is small blocks. True or false?
2) I noticed the "step" inside the retainer allows the spring to be pushed laterally. I would estimate the top of the spring can be pushed laterally about .125" when pushed to the furthest extreme away from the rocker shaft to the opposite extreme when pushed toward the rocker shaft. There in no play in the valve guide and the measurement of the inside retainer step revealed that all this slot is by design. Unless the is a reason, which I happen to be ignorant of, that level of slop seems unnecessary. If there is an aftermarket retainer with a larger diameter step it could retain the spring as much as .60" more away from the rockers which may be enough to stop the contact. Does any one know if this slop is necessary or has anyone used a aftermarket retainer to take up all this slop?
3) I am looking at Speedmaster's Stainless Rockers, part number PCE261.1181 because rocker shaft spacers were shaped like narrow washers and the small contact area probably allowed the rocker shaft to shift toward the springs over time. I am looking to get a new rocker assembly that will allow me to dump the spacers. Anyone used this item before?
If you've read to this point, thank you for your patience. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
PCE261.1181#sthash.1igeUZw1.dpuf
PCE261.1181#sthash.1igeUZw1.dpuf
PCE261.1181#sthash.1igeUZw1.dpuf
