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Broken Rocker
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 149
Likes: 46
From: Lake Worth Florida
Broken Rocker
Advice appreciated. I was in first slowly going down my street when instantly the engine began popping and running rough. I idled into my garage and today pulled the covers to find this. Any obvious reason for the carnage?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Lack of lube. I've seen that happen many times. Check the pushrod to make sure it's not plugged. Past that, it's one of those things that happens. If it's an exhaust, they seem to be more prone to that failure- move one from an intake to that position and then put the new one on the intake. GM says the intakes run a bit cooler.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 254
From: Catlett VA
As was previously mentioned, 45 year old parts, but still check for proper oiling and make sure the push rod is not bent and the valve is not hung up so it will not open. There appears to be significant wear on the end of the rocker. Might be a good time to upgrade to roller rockers, which are a better design and will also give you 20-30 extra horsepower.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
No lack of lube and nix to the 45 year-old part. The problem here is re-using stock rockers with significantly stronger springs than came on the stock engine. (At least, that's my 'guess'.)
The rocker broke because it was overstressed. The fracturing is in tensile failure and there is no discoloration on the wear areas of the part.
How'd I do, OP?
The rocker broke because it was overstressed. The fracturing is in tensile failure and there is no discoloration on the wear areas of the part.
How'd I do, OP?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,233
Likes: 1,672
From: Long Island
I had 2 on a recent rebuild. poor quality parts. Lasted less than 100 miles.
Went to roller rockers... now have 3k miles on the motor.
Have a high volume oil pump, no discoloration, just stress cracks on new rockers.
Went to roller rockers... now have 3k miles on the motor.
Have a high volume oil pump, no discoloration, just stress cracks on new rockers.
Last edited by BLUE1972; Nov 3, 2017 at 12:37 AM.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 149
Likes: 46
From: Lake Worth Florida
It’s back on the road. After checking the head, springs and pushrod I installed another Rocker. When tightening the Rocker bolt down I noticed it didn’t get tight in it proper position. The nuts are bent a little oval to ensure they don’t come loose. Everyone probably knows this but for me....I’m learning. I changed the nut and checked all the others and it’s back on the road! ........ and quitting on me. Next problem. Fuel pump. ☹️
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
after 2-3 different problems (over many years) from stock rockers.
I won't build a performance motor, without min. roller tipped, or full Roller rockers.
especially with higher lift cams and springs.
I won't build a performance motor, without min. roller tipped, or full Roller rockers.
especially with higher lift cams and springs.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,988
Likes: 6,212
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
