Rocker Arms Differences
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,797
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From: Ocean Township NJ
Rocker Arms Differences
Could someone explain the differences between self-aligning and non self-aligning rocker arms. Why do some people not recommend self-aligning rocker arms for use with solid lifters? Understand that GM has long ago discontinued service use of the non self-aligning type, and these were superseded by self-aligning for ALL applications.
Thanks in advance.
Joe
Thanks in advance.
Joe
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Camp Verde AZ
C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
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Self aligning has a slot that the valve tip rides in, instead of just flat like the non aligning.
I would think that since solids require lash clearance, if the lash was too great, the valve tip could escape the slot.
it isn't really a slot, but you get the idea.
Doug
I would think that since solids require lash clearance, if the lash was too great, the valve tip could escape the slot.
it isn't really a slot, but you get the idea.
Doug
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Washington Michigan
Could someone explain the differences between self-aligning and non self-aligning rocker arms. Why do some people not recommend self-aligning rocker arms for use with solid lifters? Understand that GM has long ago discontinued service use of the non self-aligning type, and these were superseded by self-aligning for ALL applications.
Thanks in advance.
Joe
Thanks in advance.
Joe
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,797
Likes: 239
From: Ocean Township NJ
The later self-aligning rockers had a "rib" on each side of the valve stem contact surface to keep the rocker aligned with the tip of the valve. Not used with solid lifters, as excessive clearance could result in the valve contacting the rib instead of the flat area. Also, solid lifter engines after 1969 had pushrod guide plates, and you can't guide a rocker in two places. Photo below shows a standard rocker on the left and the later self-aligning rocker on the right.
The picture tells me that mine are non self-aligning, as they should be.
Joe
