Replacing rocker arm bolts
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Joined: Sep 1999
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Replacing rocker arm bolts
I just had a rocker arm bolt break on my 351M and the mechanic replaced it and the other three - valve was stuck shut and it was "popping" through my carb - I thought I had blown a head gasket (see my other post today). He said the rebuilder put non-hardened bolts on the rocker arm. I have been doing most of the work and learning as I go on this project and so to save $, I am going to replace the other 4 bolts as they are probably the same. He said it was easy. Do you guys have any tips/instructions before I tackle this next weekend.
Thanks,
Shawn
Thanks,
Shawn
Elder User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 861
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From: SE PA
Replacing rocker arm bolts
Hi Sjleslie,
This will be a straight forward change over, the only really important thing is to make sure that the pair (intake and exhaust on same cylinder) are both fully closed and the piston is at top dead center. This will make sure you don't collapse a lifter. When they are ready to come out, you should be able to spin the pushrod with a little effort, try one that is part way open, it won't turn without a tough fight. It helps to take the spark plugs out of all the cylinders, not only to see TDC but this will make it much, much easier to turn the engine over to the place you need it to be to do the change over. Hope this helps and takes care of the problem!! Chuck P.
This will be a straight forward change over, the only really important thing is to make sure that the pair (intake and exhaust on same cylinder) are both fully closed and the piston is at top dead center. This will make sure you don't collapse a lifter. When they are ready to come out, you should be able to spin the pushrod with a little effort, try one that is part way open, it won't turn without a tough fight. It helps to take the spark plugs out of all the cylinders, not only to see TDC but this will make it much, much easier to turn the engine over to the place you need it to be to do the change over. Hope this helps and takes care of the problem!! Chuck P.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 861
Likes: 0
From: SE PA
Replacing rocker arm bolts
Just one more thing I've thought of. If the eight on that head are no good, what about the other side, do they have the same? If they do I would recommend replacing all 12 remaining bolts. Might save you another incident of this type, and if you've got the plugs out, why not do them all at once! Good luck, Chuck P.
