Loose rocker

Discussion in 'Mech Tech' started by redgaz, Feb 27, 2021.

  1. 77 Westy

    77 Westy Supporter

    I’ll guess they just slapped it together without checking anything. :oops:
     
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  2. Normally the recipe for eye-watering compression :eek:
     
  3. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    100% on the evidence so far.
     
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  4. redgaz

    redgaz Supporter

    Ive no reasons to think it wasn't rebuilt at the engine shop correctly. I think the 'errors' occured when rocker shafts, ancillaries etc were then re- fitted back at the garage.
    I could do a compression test i suppose .
     
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  5. mikedjames

    mikedjames Supporter

    I lost an engine when the spring clip and washer broke off . I found the pieces lying in the pushrod tube and the rocker cover. The rocker went so far sideways it missed the valve and the engine started backfiring which blew out the seals on the inlet manifold, and shook the flywheel loose. As it had been 8 dowelled after I had knackered it once before, that was it.
     
  6. redgaz

    redgaz Supporter

    In my case i don't think they were ever fitted Mike, hopefully.
     
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  7. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    I know you are trying to keep your chin up, but rockers are part of the engine build, they are not an ancillary.
     
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  8. redgaz

    redgaz Supporter

    I take your point, but who didn't fit the two missing washers doesn't really make any difference now, I'm just glad I've spotted the issue and it's easily fixable. I rather think the (original) rocker shafts and rocker covers were refitted by whoever put the engine back in, not at the engine builders place nearby, but i guess I'll never know for sure.
     
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  9. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    Fingers crossed then. :thumbsup:
    We can appear a bit cynical at times but it's born from experience. If you see blatant signs of not caring, to be safe you have to suspect it carries through everything and check everything... or make a judgement and hope the rest is ok. I'm the first to defend VW specialists from catch all attack as I was one, but if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck... i saw this sort of thing from other specialist regularly. They come in two flavours, they like VWs or the like money.
     
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  10. redgaz

    redgaz Supporter

    I appreciate your input Steve, i wish you were still running a garage.
     
  11. redgaz

    redgaz Supporter

    IMG_20210302_161335.jpg IMG_20210302_161258.jpg
    Well the washers arrived from JK so i pulled off clip and popped them on, rocker side slop gone :thumbsup: then did what i originally set out to do, fit new silicone gaskets.
     
    Last edited: Mar 2, 2021
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  12. redgaz

    redgaz Supporter

    Well i finally started up the van today , first time since fitting the 'missing' plain washer x1 and x 1 'wavy' washer on the left side rocker shaft, noticeably quieter ! :thumbsup:
    Haven't been for a run yet though, maybe tomorrow.
     
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  13. mikedjames

    mikedjames Supporter

    It gets worse when the entire rocker arm comes loose on a T1. You go slower..slower..downhill only ...
    I ended up stuck in the entrance to an HGV yard, 50 minutes before they opened for the day. Fortunately it only took 45 mins to fix it. .. I drove off leaving a puddle of oil as they rolled up to open the gate...
     
  14. redgaz

    redgaz Supporter

    I'll be keeping a eye on them much more in the future, as i said before i can't understand why no one hadn't spotted this before !. I wonder how long the washers have been missing. The shafts could have been taken on and off numerous time without anyone noticing .
    Do you remember me saying at Techenders Mike that i always thought the left side of the engine had a loud clanging / ringing type sound to it compared to the left. :thinking:. The only thing stopping the rocker 'falling off ' the end of the valve was the raised casting of the head itself. :eek:
    Are the solid spacer type kits worth fitting?.
     
  15. mikedjames

    mikedjames Supporter

    With the solid spacers, you will probably need to get more thinner shims than provided in the kit, you need to get the rocker tips over the valves and also fine adjust the side play of the rocker arms or it will clatter worse than stock.
    I used a solid kit on the previous engine. Not really necessary its more for engines with non standard camshaft and heavier valve spring pressure.
     
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