Dealing with a worn rocker arm stud
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 164
Likes: 4
Dealing with a worn rocker arm stud
I have a 69 302 Mustang. I've rebuilt a lot of the motor, new cam, lifters, pushrods, etc., on stock heads (which I know don't flow well, so, a budget build). No matter how many times I set the rockers, later that day or the next a couple will start ticking, where they didn't before I rebuilt it. I've checked everything a million times (2nd set of lifters, etc.), and am convinced a couple rocker arm studs are worn, so some lock-nuts are backing off when they shouldn't. How would you work with this? I'm thinking the cheapest idea is get another few locking nuts and put on top. Or is it better to use thread-lok of some sort? If so, how would you apply that, since it needs to be set when the engine's hot and the studs are oily. The cam is nothing special, a Comp Cams 260H, so I don't think it's backing the studs out. Any thoughts are good, thanks.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
The studs aren't worn, the cam's new valve action is more likely pulling them out of the heads. They're only pressed in, there's nothing positive to keep em from backing out of the holes. Pull the valve covers and set a straight edge across the rocker studs, they should all be even, or really close to it. The loose ones will be taller than the rest.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 164
Likes: 4
There's noticeable variation in height, more than 1/4", but I'm puzzled because that's even true on some that aren't a problem, and this resulted in a cam change from a 268 down to a 260 because the wife didn't like the idle. Just the same, I'm sure it's time for new heads. Thanks.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,491
Likes: 2,806
Check some of the other posts here about GT40p heads etc.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ood-price.html
Or, you could have your heads threaded for screw in studs.
Have a machine shop do it. If you get one crooked doing it yourself, you'll have to do it again. Ask me how I know that....
Also, while you're doing that, get the "Perfect Circle" type valve seals installed. Stock neoprene umbrella seals tend to crack, leading to a blue fog around your vehicle.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ood-price.html
Or, you could have your heads threaded for screw in studs.
Have a machine shop do it. If you get one crooked doing it yourself, you'll have to do it again. Ask me how I know that....
Also, while you're doing that, get the "Perfect Circle" type valve seals installed. Stock neoprene umbrella seals tend to crack, leading to a blue fog around your vehicle.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
There's noticeable variation in height, more than 1/4", but I'm puzzled because that's even true on some that aren't a problem, and this resulted in a cam change from a 268 down to a 260 because the wife didn't like the idle. Just the same, I'm sure it's time for new heads. Thanks.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
htownoag
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
17
Oct 19, 2015 10:47 AM
zerfetzen
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
May 18, 2012 07:37 PM
HonestEngine302
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Apr 24, 2011 03:20 PM
freemanrebel
Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W)
2
Oct 26, 2004 06:26 PM
TOUGHY17
Big Block V8 - 385 Series (6.1/370, 7.0/429, 7.5/460)
6
Nov 6, 2001 10:27 PM
