Rocker Arm Seal Questions

[vesnyder]

I have dropped the engine in my SC and am considering all possible fixes. I am considering the Rocker Arm Seals but have not been able to fully answer the following:

• How do I tell if they are leaking?
• How do I remove the rocker?
• Is it necessary to replace/add all seals?

I see the allen screws in either end of the rocker arm - is this how the rocker/arm is removed? Does one need to readjust the valves after the arm is removed? Anybody who has documented the entire process would be appreciated.

Thanks

[vulcan300]

- The rocker shafts are one possible source of oil leaks. If you have leaky valve covers, and a previous replacement of gaskets didn't fix the problem, it is worth considering adding the seals to the rocker shafts. Having the engine out makes it a fairly trivial but time consuming task.
- The seals aren't standard in an SC engine so you will be adding them if you decide to include them when working on your engine.
- The rocker arms are removed by using two allen keys in either end of the rocker shaft. The shaft itself is held in place by a press fit that is created when tightening the allen bolts. there are conical pieces on either end that are compressed and expand slightly as torque is applied. It is critical to apply the correct torque when re-installing to ensure that the rocker shafts do not come loose after you close up the engine and put it back in service. Unfortunately I don't remember the spec at the moment so you'll have to search the forum for that bit of info.
- Once you remove the rocker shaft the rocker will fall out so be ready for it. It's not good news if one hits the floor.
- With the rocker shaft out of the car you can install the RSR seals on the shaft. I used a healthy amount of engine assembly lube when reinstalling to help the seals slide into place. The seals are tough to get into the hole as they are significantly larger in diameter than the rocker shaft. If you apply too much force pushing the shafts into place you can shear pieces off the seals so have a few extra on hand. I used a smell dental pick to gently compress the seal as I forced the shaft into place. once started insert the rocker and line up the hole in the rocker so the shaft can slide through. Initially hold the rocker tight against the side of the opening from which you are inserting the shaft. The seal will want to expand and fill any open gap as soon as it makes it through the first section of the block. by holding the two tightly together you will be able slide the seal smoothly into the rocker. As you continue to push the shaft through into the other side of the case repeat the same procedure. I suggest that you line up the shaft without seals before hand and measure how deeply it should be inserted into the block so the seals are resting within the bore of the case. This will ensure that the seal is not sitting in the gap between the rocker and case.
- You will have to readjust the valves after this procedure.

Hopefully this helps.