How much wobble on rocker shaft rocker arms

[shovelluv]

I am wondering how much wobble is the acceptable for the rocker arm on the rocker shaft. 383 all stock motor
Not side to side.

 

[The Horvaths]

Are you referring to lash?

 

[69Bee]

There is considerable clearance there, but during operation, the lifter/pushrod presses the rocker against the shaft and valve, thus eliminating the rocking.

 

[shovelluv]

Thanks for the response! I understand the wobble is eliminated once pre-load from the lifter and pushrod is applied, but how much of wear to the rocker, lower curve, is enough to effect its ability to open the valve correctly, possible chatter? With the shaft out of the car and one rocker slipped on, what is allowable wobble?

 

[miller]

Assuming stamped rockers?

Like the gents say, once the load is put on the rocker arms, all is good. Looking at one of your rockers, at the inside surface at the bottom, you'll see the contact surface that rides on the bottom surface of the shaft. Otherwise, the 'free play' is just to keep things from binding.

 

[nm9stheham]

New, they are pretty tight (wobble-free). It might help to define what direction the 'wobble' is that is of concern....is the shaft worn and allowing the rocker to tilt sideways? If so, I would be more concerned with the rocker tilting sideways with each lift, and putting side force on the valve stem; that is going to wear the guide out prematurely.

You should be able to find a rocker to shaft clearance spec and use that. My '62 FSM shows .001" to .003" rocker to shaft clearance for the 318 V8's; can't find a spec for the /6: it just says 'free from excess wear".....whatever that means!

 

[Cranky]

You should inspect the shaft and rocker where the rocker rides on the shaft for wear. How many miles are on these parts?

 

[coloradodave]

Wrong response...see below.

 

[Cranky]

My 63 FSM says .001-.003" for the 361 motor between the rocker arm and the shaft. Assume it's the same for the 383.

Is that for adjustable rockers or the stamped ones? I can't see where the stamped ones would have that kind of tolerance.....

 

[Daves69]

If you still have the stock rockers the push rod socket is likely worn too.

 

[nm9stheham]

Is that for adjustable rockers or the stamped ones? I can't see where the stamped ones would have that kind of tolerance.....

Good question.... my '62 FSM shows the .001-.003 for the 318 (adjustable rocker). For the 361 (stamped rocker), it does not list a spec or even an inspection method....I know I was thinking adjustable before, not stamped.

 

[coloradodave]

Is that for adjustable rockers or the stamped ones? I can't see where the stamped ones would have that kind of tolerance.....

- - - Updated - - -

Good question.... my '62 FSM shows the .001-.003 for the 318 (adjustable rocker). For the 361 (stamped rocker), it does not list a spec or even an inspection method....I know I was thinking adjustable before, not stamped.

You both are right. My error. My FSM shows the same thing. Next time I'll actually spend more than 5 seconds looking it up.

 

[nm9stheham]

^^ That is why he is around.....LOL

 

[Cranky]

- - - Updated - - - Next time I'll actually spend more than 5 seconds looking it up.

Hey, we're all human beans here

 

[coloradodave]

Thanks for taking it easy on me guys...lol.