318 LA Engine Rocker shaft help needed.

[nm9stheham]

I did not make the point clear...... I'm just thinking of problems getting some tight clearance rockers to slip onto the shaft in the first place if it gets expanded a tad on both ends... (not any long term fit issues). I guess that is what sandpaper is for LOL

 

[Mike69barracuda]

ok. I bought NOS rocker shafts and new rocker arms and push rods. The NOS shaft did not have plugs. i had to buy 4 of them. THX

 

[pishta]

I did not make the point clear...... I'm just thinking of problems getting some tight clearance rockers to slip onto the shaft in the first place if it gets expanded a tad on both ends... (not any long term fit issues). I guess that is what sandpaper is for LOL

I get your point, although the ones I saw were pretty heavy wall. Would not think a soft brass/metal freeze plug would flare them but if someone drove 5/8 ball bearings in there, they may have an issue with close clearance mechanical rockers. The hydros are pretty loose fit. Any difference between the mech and hydro shafts with exception of any possible mechanical only banana grooves?

 

[nm9stheham]

I assume the shaft hardness is different, with the mechanical ones being harder. Dunno if it is hardened throughout.. if so, that should resist deformation better. I just saw those thick plugs and wondered if it could deform the ends enough.... we won't know unless we see a new thread titled "Help! Rockers wont go onto shafts!" LOL

 

[Mike69barracuda]

And throw out those damned stock grade 5 rocker shaft hold down bolts and replace them with grade 8 so that when you do torque them down (like you should) they won't snap off.

I bought =grade 8 bolts zinc plated. They were a little longer tan the factory so I bought grade 8 zinc coated lock washers to take up the difference in the new bolts. torque them down to 200 inch pounds per the service manual.

 

[Wyrmrider]

There are several torque specs floating around
The grade 8 bolts will take more torque than the cast iron
remember you want the bolt to stretch like a spring wire
too stiff and they completely loose clamp with any give
which is why short headbolts should be necked down on the shank to give the same stretch as the long ones
and bottom tap

 

[383Scampman]

The shafts ARE hardened . Just run a file on one and you'll find out fast . Better yet try to cut one .

 

[Mike69barracuda]

The shafts ARE hardened . Just run a file on one and you'll find out fast . Better yet try to cut one .

Should I put alittle ?? on the NOS rocker shaft end caps to ensure they don't come out?? The NOS shafts had no 5/8" plugs. I got 5/8" welch plugs and taped them into the shafts. What's a good high heat glue/adhesive to use just to coat the edge of the end caps.

 

[Jadaharabi]

Should I put alittle ?? on the NOS rocker shaft end caps to ensure they don't come out?? The NOS shafts had no 5/8" plugs. I got 5/8" welch plugs and taped them into the shafts. What's a good high heat glue/adhesive to use just to coat the edge of the end caps.

.
Indian Head Gasket Shellac

 

[nm9stheham]

Should I put alittle ?? on the NOS rocker shaft end caps to ensure they don't come out?? The NOS shafts had no 5/8" plugs. I got 5/8" welch plugs and taped them into the shafts. What's a good high heat glue/adhesive to use just to coat the edge of the end caps.

They are a force (interference) fit so that should keep them in; if they were hard to go in, they will be hard to come out. The pressure inside is just a few psi so it really does not take much there. (And glue applied that way will not provide any real holding power anyway.)

 

[Treblig]

You can always put a few "dimples" on the end of the shaft with a center punch to lock the plug in there!! Problem solved!!Treblig

 

[Mike69barracuda]

You can always put a few "dimples" on the end of the shaft with a center punch to lock the plug in there!! Problem solved!!Treblig

Thank you. Mopar to you.

 

[Treblig]

Thank you. Mopar to you.

I've had too much to drink this morning, I think the proper word is "stake"!!


Staking (manufacturing) - Wikipedia

 

[Wyrmrider]

Yum Steak- and some red vino
where's the safety wire?

 

[Treblig]

Yum Steak- and some red vino
where's the safety wire?

No, no, no!!! Stake = hammer and center punch
Steak = fork and knife

 

[dibbons]

I need to clean out a used set of 273 rockers and shafts, the part number for the plugs evidently is P5249633.