bent tappets

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Nov 12, 2007 | 03:01 PM

drof46

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Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 998

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From: Benton, AR

bent tappets

I have a 65 352/390 (still unsure). Anyway I have been playing hell to get it running. Then out of desperation today I pulled the covers off to make sure I wasn't way off on the timing(and to getter a closer look inside). Well #3 intake tappet and #5 exhaust tappet are bent all to hell. So my question is how far do I need to tear down this engine to replace these tappets? Can I just put in a couple new tappets and give it another try or do I need to pull her out of the truck and tear it apart?

Thanks

After a few rotations the other tappets/valves seam to be straight and doing what they are suppose to.

Nov 12, 2007 | 03:25 PM

ford390fe

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Joined: Mar 2007

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When you say tappets I'm assuming you mean the rockerarms? If that is the case you can remove the whole shaft assembly with it in the vehicle and get a new shaft assembly. To remove it start to losoen the middle bolts and work outward gradually. When you put a new one in, start in the middle and gradually tighten them to prevent any bending or breaking the shaft then torque them to specification. You don't have to adjust them unless they are the adjustable type which I don't think they are. Make sure to put a little assembly lube on the rocker tips and pushrod ends. My only question would be how would this bending have occured? If somebody has any idea please put in your two cents.

Aaron

Nov 12, 2007 | 03:27 PM

bertha66

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Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 8,062

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From: Central Oregon

"Tappets" are we talking push rods? If we are you can replace, but did they bend because to valves were stuck? or the lifters stuck? Take a rubber hammer and pop the valve springs and see if the move. You can put differant push rods from a differant cylinder in place of the bent ones and rotat the engine by hand to watch what they do, what do ya have to lose if you bend them?

Nov 12, 2007 | 03:47 PM

drof46

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From: Benton, AR

thanks, I meant push rods. Autozone has some standard size for 99cents each so I'll take a spare and see if they are the right size. I will also try hitting those valves and see if they are stuck. Engine has sat a while so its a likly possibility.

thanks

Nov 12, 2007 | 03:53 PM

drof46

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From: Benton, AR

Yippee looks like a valve job is in the future of these heads. Valve was stuck and even when driven down it stayed down. Wonderful. I have a 390 in the shop so I will just see which heads are in the best shape and start the rebuild process I guess.

Thanks