Overtighten a rocker shaft?

[jcc911]

Is it possible to do this, and what are the repercussions?

I know the torque spec for this has been discussed at great length, but because I do not have a torque wrench small enough to get in there, will hand tighten these be too much?

Thanks for the guidance.

[Eagledriver]

I tighten them as much as I can with 4 inch allen wrenches. If the heads don't strip then they are not too tight.

-Andy

[jcc911]

Thanks Andy, I thought I read you post that before. I will have to check the length of the wrenches I am using, as i think they me be a little longer. Hopefully not that it will matter that much.

So i guess my new question is the concern for the correct torque due to the shaft "walking" or stripping the head of the bolt?

Thanks again.

[Eagledriver]

I've had these shafts "walk" several times before. The good news is that if they do you'll know it by the oil leak. The downside to overtightening them is that you will be damaging the bores they rest in a little bit. But even if I damage a bore a little I can always move the shaft 1 or 2 mm to the side and get a fresh area to seal to.

-Andy

[jcc911]

Andy what are the signs of the oil leaks that would indicate a shaft that has walked? or damaged bore?
Thanks

[304065]

Yes you will know it's overtorqued when you hear a barely audible "pink!" which is your signal that you have broken the shaft in the bore. So turn down the music! (I just broke one a few weeks back which is why I mention it)

[sc_rufctr]

I cut down an alley key so I could use my torque wrench.

[CaptainCalf]

Good info in this thread! Anybody have any experience with Turbocraft's rocker locks to stop the possibility of walking shafts and oil leaks?

[356RS]

Funny I just looked into this yesterday. Great idea but kinda spendy @ $395. list.

[CaptainCalf]

Originally Posted by 356RS

Funny I just looked into this yesterday. Great idea but kinda spendy @ $395. list.

I agree, but what's not spendy once you're on the slippery slope?

I do like the insurance of no leaks and may try them cuz the last thing I want to see is a leak within a few months of building up a nice clean motor...

[sc_rufctr]

The locks look good for sure but I check mine every time I have the valve covers off. (at least once a year)

[Ken911]

i had one that kept moving finally had to resort to putting a small amount of rtv on it. This was only after replacing it with a new rocker shaft which then walked. when i opened it up the bolt was still tight. Hasn't moved since.

[iamchappy]

Thank goodness for these forums.
I recently removed a rocker to replace the swivel foot adjuster, and in doing so discovered there were no RSR oil seals that were suppose to of been used when my engine was rebuilt, i even questioned the builder if they were installed, he told me he puts them in every engine he builds.

So after reading this thread and also another recent thread about walking rocker shafts it appears all but 2 of mine are not in the correct position in the bore (the two i just re did). It may be from walking, or he may of just shoved them into in the wrong position and tightened them down.

I guess i am going to have to reposition all of them correctly in the bore, while i am in there should i also order up some RSR seals and install those too.

[sc_rufctr]

Do the RSR seals help stop the walking problem?

[Alan L]

No - they are 'rubber' O rings that help sealing rather than metal/metal.
I slightly disagree on overtightening. I think they should be torqued correctly if you don't want other issues.
I use a 3/8 long extension which just sneaks thru the rocker bores with a socket and cut down allen key on the end of the torque wrench. You NEED a torque wrench if you are going to re assemble a 911 engine.
alan

[dshepp806]

Would/Could the RSR seals "mask" the leaking of a walking rocker?

Doyle

[Ken911]

Originally Posted by dshepp806

Would/Could the RSR seals "mask" the leaking of a walking rocker?

Doyle

no it keeps sliding over until the seal goes out of the tower into the rocker. then oil sprays everywhere and only at high revs.

[Alan L]

It may mask it, until the point ken 911 describes - ie until the O ring pops out of the housing.
What you have is a metal/metal seal (without the RSR ring), which needs perfect integrity. If you over tighten to get a seal you risk damaging the machned suface in the housing - swelling - or gouging when the rocker is removed.
Any imperfections from previous use/abuse could be masked using the O rings - more compliant seal to damaged surface. The rocker may even be able to walk and still seal via the O ring. But eventually it will sleep walk itself beyond the housing and take the O ring with it.
Alan

[dshepp806]

Thanks Ken911 and Alan.....

Doyle

[Ken911]

no problem glad i could help somone here. There have been so many times others have helped me.