Threaded Rocker

[Rosco_NZ]

Can a threaded rocker (don’t ask how) be repaired with a helicoil or is it junk? If so, can I source a single bushed overhauled rocker ? Mine were originally supplied by WebCam.

I also need need 12 new rocker adjusters … Porsche best or are claimed OEM OK??

[Walt Fricke]

Someone like Henry should have a better informed opinion, but to me it could be risky - you are widening the hole in a cast piece. Unlike engine cases and the like, the hole is in a fairly thin piece of material, and you are enlarging that hole. The Helicoil may also be a bit too long. I've dealt with that in inserting a coil into a finned aluminum sump plate's drain hole to fix threads, but there is no real pressure on that plug, and a fair amount of material around it. Not at all like this.

Henry or Cgarr or the like maybe could sell you a single rocker.

I take it you can't just purchase a thread chaser for this thread, and run it through to fix damaged female threads? Henry always cautions us not to use a regular tap, as it tends to enlarge the thread pattern, making the male piece loose - at least until the lock nut is tightened.

I can see why a repair in Oz holds its attractions.

[Rosco_NZ]

Thanks for detailed reply … I’m guessing the threads on the adjuster and in the rocker are machined threads .. because they do not seem to like a tap passed through them ..

I definitely need new adjusters .. crazy how much play there is on the elephants foot ..!!

[Walt Fricke]

Play in the tip of the elephant foot isn't a problem, as long as the cap won't fall off. Play in the threads, on the other hand, isn't good. Overtightening the adjusters tends to distort the adjuster threads, making them hard to screw in and out, and not so much loose, I think. In your case, is it the threads in the [more expensive] rocker which have gotten too lose? If you take an adjuster which is OK out of another rocker, and put it in the one you are worrying about, is it still loose? Hence the notion of inserts?

[Henry Schmidt]

We see damaged threads in rockers all the time. That is why we reform all the thread during our rocker rebuild process. The solution [if the threads aren't totally screwed] is to clean them with a forming tap and a high pressure assembly lube. In a pinch you can use anti-seize. You want to reform the threads not cut them.