Rocker Arm Shafts


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By Duck - 17 Years Ago
Hello, Fellas- Would someone please tell me how to go about thoroughly cleaning all the "icky" out of a couple rocker arm shafts? -Thank You- T.R.M.
By Hoosier Hurricane - 17 Years Ago
TRM:

Each end of the rocker shaft has a small freeze plug in it.  Drill or punch a small hole in one of them, use a sheetmetal screw and a claw hammer to pull the plug out, then take a long punch and punch the plug out of the other end.  Then you can use solvent and rifle brushes to clean them out.  Your local parts store can supply new plugs.

John in Selma, IN 

By oldcarmark - 17 Years Ago
I did mine last fall.Plugged solid with NO oil at all reaching arms.Dont forget to unplug the little squirt hole on each individual arm with a thin piece of wire.Also be sure you have the shaft orientated for correct side up.Oil won't flow if shaft is upside down.I was amazed at the crud built up in the shafts.Regards Mark
By ejstith - 17 Years Ago
I adjusted my valves Saturday for the first time since I've had my '56 272 and was surprised to find that it didn't have a screw driver slot in the adjuster and then a lock nut. I had a '57 312 way back there and that is how it was. This one just had basically bolts that went to the top of the valves. Another strange deal was that the ones on the port side (driver's side) was 7/16th and the ones on the passenger side were 1/2. What's with all of this?
By Hoosier Hurricane - 17 Years Ago
EJ:

In '57 Ford went to the self locking, hex head adjustment screws.  Many guys (me included) put '57 screws in early rockers.  All replacement rockers, and probably all rebuilt assemblies, came with the hex screws.  Standard size screws had 1/2" hex, .0023" oversize screws were 7/16" hex.  The oversize screws became available when the originals became loose in their threads and would not maintain their settings.

John in Selma, IN

By ejstith - 17 Years Ago
Yeah John, I guess the '57 I had was an early one. Had the screws with the lock nuts. I didn't think that was a bad deal. So what I've got is one bank with standard ones and one bank with oversized ones? The motor it's self is a '56 I guess. I tried to see the numbers on the block but couldn't see them. Couldn't see the ones on the head either. Was standin' on my head with a mirror .. The engine had been overhauled at some point in time, don't know how long ago .. runs good though ..
By Duck - 17 Years Ago
Fellas- The "how to" worked like a dream Cool They were FULL of crud , I really appreciated all the input... -Thank You- T.R.M.