FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

my number 1 exhaust rocker must be wearing down. I adjusted the clearances drove 800km and the tappet noise is back. I am thinking it is not getting lubricated properly. Has any one blocked the hole in the hex nut to increase oil to rockers. Any help appreciated.
fred

Hi Fred,
Has been some discussion/opinions on doing this in this post:

Re: How much oil should there be coming from rocker arm and lubebush

Also worth checking the ball end of the adjusting screw where it seats into the push rod - seen them wear down considerably.

Trevor_B

New pumps are avaible
And so are rebuild parts
I thought about turning the bush around so as not to block off but allow a bit more oil to sit in rocker shaft

But then thought
What's better a worn rocker
Or jammed and worn lifter/cam

the oil hole in the rocker bush might not be lining up with hole in the rocker (slippage)?

John 253a are we talking new grey oil pumps and parts being available?

If so where?

Gary.

Did you not read the link above?
Auto surplus

Fred,

Yes, I've had this same problem, on the way down to Tassie in April.

The quick fix is to put a self-tapping screw in the relief hole in the hex fitting.  Also - remove the adjuster stud from the No. 1 exhaust rocker and grind off the "nipple" that results from wear.

Insufficient oil flow to the number 1 rocker arm is caused largely by worn rocker bushes, as all the oil leaks out around the bushes, instead of coming out the lube hole at the top of the rockers.

But a couple of quick checks will help -

1.  Disconnect the oil pipe at the hex fitting.  Start the engine and let it idle.  The oil won't come out in a steady stream, instead you should see a gentle "squirt-squirt-squirt" action at half engine speed.  If there's no oil coming out, you'll have to take the sideplate off, disconnect the oil pipe at the block, and repeat the test.

2.  Make certain your rocker shafts aren't sludged up inside.  If check 1 was ok, reconnect the pipe to the hex fitting, start the engine, and let it run at a fast idle.  Reach around under the hex fitting and block the relief hole with your finger for a minute or so (obviously, it's best to do this when the engine isn't hot).  After a while you should see oil come out all the rocker arms.  You can remove the No. 1 rocker easily enough (back the adjuster right off, remove hairpin and spring, then slide the rocker off the shaft) and put a piece of wire through the lube holes in the shaft and rocker arm to clean them out.  If you get a flow of oil out the No. 1 rocker with your finger over the relief hole in the hex fitting, install self-tapping screw.  Job done.

The alternative is to get your rocker arms re-bushed and new shafts.  Only if you're a real purist.

You don't need to replace your oil pump.

Rob

Sorry must have missed "the link above"

Gary

Hi,
In "the link above" there is a reference by John that AutoSurplus in Mitcham VIC is looking to have grey oil pump reco kits manufactured - update from them today indicates it is still min 2-3 months away before they get them (if at all?)

As of 11am this morning they still had one new reco kit left containing oil pump gear with shaft, mating gear, relief spring & relief piston. Cost of $155.00 (which is a bit high compared to the sets that sold at the last VIC Club Auction).

They had 10 late last week so sold out quickly. These were apparently NOS from NZ.

Cheers,
Trevor_B