Rocker Shaft Question

[targasc1980]

While my 1980 3.0 motor is out of the car and I’m addressing various other problems, I’ve noticed the rocker shafts are leaking. At the time of assembly, I didn’t have a torque wrench to fit into the cam towers, so I just tightened the rocker shaft bolts by feel. My mechanic suggested that as long as I get a torque wrench and tighten the bolts to spec, the leak should stop.

But I feel like maybe I might as well install the RSR rocker shaft seals while I have easy access. Of course, it would be nice to avoid all the work of removing and reinstalling the rocker shafts.

And additionally, I’ve read that deformation makes these more prone to leaks after removal and reinstallation. So, am I potentially doing harm in that regard by removing the shafts to add these seals? Or does the leak preventative action of the seal counteract that?

[cabmandone]

I did the RSR seals when I put my engine back together. I thought it was a bit difficult installing them without tearing them when putting them back in. When sliding some into the bore I know I gave a few of them a slight shave.
The deformation is caused by improper removal of the rocker as I understood it. The bore gets slightly deformed. I'm not aware of rocker shafts deforming when removed but I really haven't looked into it. When I put my engine back together I had a set of long hex sockets that I was able to use with an extension if needed and then attached to a torque wrench. I think a few of the builders here recommended a slightly higher torque spec than the manuals stated for reinstallation of the rocker shaft.

[nene]

I installed RSR seals and would do it again in a heart-beat.

I used a 1/4" torque wrench and 18ft-lb of muscle into it............done!

#JUST#DO#IT

[Topocalm]

I would love to understand what mistakes are to be avoided when removing the rocker shafts to not introduce damage that leads to leaking. I went at it as per Wayne's book - he does not seem very concerned with this potential issue and does not comment on it.

[ADDvanced]

I heard 20-22ft/lbs is acceptable as the bores wear over time. This is one area where people are pretty unanimous that the factory torque spec is NOT sufficient.