Rocker arm side play

[TAK65]

Hi all!
The guy rebuilding my engine said the rocker arms have excessive side play, and he'd like to machine new spacers. Is there a recommended clearance between rocker arm and the spacer?

 

[slantsixdan]

This is not a very crucial dimension. 1mm will be fine.

 

[TAK65]

Thank you Dan! 1 mm sounds a lot but I understand the arms need to "float" a bit on the shaft.

 

[famous bob]

Thank you Dan! 1 mm sounds a lot but I understand the arms need to "float" a bit on the shaft.

if it has rocker shaft oiling, too much can affect oil pressure.

 

[Charrlie_S]

Not on a slant six. Rocker oiling is controlled by the hole(s)/ groove, in the rear cam bearing journal. Also the clearence between the arm and the shaft will have a larger effect on rocker arm oiling then the side play.

 

[KosmicKuda]

This is not a very crucial dimension. 1mm will be fine.

Yeah, South of the Canadian border that's about 40 thou. Is there an actual spec for side clearance?
If he's really concerned it would be easier to adjust by using shim washers but I wouldn't worry about it unless it's excessive.

 

[famous bob]

Not on a slant six. Rocker oiling is controlled by the hole(s)/ groove, in the rear cam bearing journal. Also the clearence between the arm and the shaft will have a larger effect on rocker arm oiling then the side play.

never owned a slant, don`t know a thing about them !!

 

[Daves69]

FWIW, If you cant find an actual spec for it, I think 440source suggests .015"-.030" for their BB rockers.

 

[slantsixdan]

There's no spec.

Yeah, South of the Canadian border that's about 40 thou.

Sure, but the OP is in Finland, where they use the Metric system.

Is there an actual spec for side clearance?

Not that I've seen.

 

[Killer6]

The shaft pedestal/hold-down side of all the rockers is wide open, there is no "oil pressure loss" issues w/side clearance, the design of the system with the feed holes at the
point of contact/load controls the oil flow. The valve tip rocker pad is generous and easily accommodates the stock amount of side play. The only thing to possibly be gained
would be to have the pushrod ball adjuster perfectly aligned w/the lifter cup to get the most lift and least pushrod deflection, but unless you're goin' for the gold w/killer VS's,
it would simply be an OCD's labor of love. That said, slanty rocker shafts are the same dia. as BB mopar, and selective shims are available.

 

[MAGA]

Hi all!
The guy rebuilding my engine said the rocker arms have excessive side play, and he'd like to machine new spacers. Is there a recommended clearance between rocker arm and the spacer?

What did you end up doing? I’m noticing the same issue with my rebuild. Advice?

 

[MOPAROFFICIAL]

They can make a clacking noise if they arent centered along with a lot of side clearance.
Shoot for .015 side clearance