C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Got a rocker problem..

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 14, 2011 | 03:19 PM
  #1  
Birdman's Avatar
Birdman
Thread Starter
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 10
From: Charleston SC
Default Got a rocker problem..

When I started up the car today, I heard a loud ticking noise..not a knock, but ticking. So I first checked the header bolts, and sure enough, they needed some tightening. Turned the car on, still ticking. Then I replaced the gasket which was worn out and needed replacing. Still ticking. Then I saw that where the side pipe and header meet, needed tightening..still ticking.

Then I took the valve cover off on the passenger side and found this gem:







What would cause this? Over-tightened rocker?

And what are the implications? Was that the source of the tapping? Can I simply buy a new rocker (set)?

Help me out guys..I'm trying to sell this car and want to get it back up and running quickly. Thanks for the help.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2011 | 03:26 PM
  #2  
fanmanbd's Avatar
fanmanbd
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: Northern New Jersey
Default

Is the valve spring broken?
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2011 | 03:36 PM
  #3  
MelWff's Avatar
MelWff
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,626
Likes: 2,553
Default

Without knowing the full history of the engine difficult to come up with the exact answer. if original from 1968 just worn out. I would check the rocker arm stud to see if there is a groove worn on the side of it from the rocker being cocked at that angle. Depending on how far you want to go, at the very least replace the rocker arms and any worn rocker arm studs. Ideally you should have the heads converted to screw in rocker studs with pushrod guides. Obviously change the oil and filter no matter what you do.

Last edited by MelWff; Dec 14, 2011 at 03:40 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2011 | 03:38 PM
  #4  
Birdman's Avatar
Birdman
Thread Starter
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 10
From: Charleston SC
Default

Doesn't appear so. I looked at it all around, as well as pressed down on it a little. Doesn't seem like anything else is messed up..

Would this work as a replacement?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CCA-1212-1/?rtype=10

:EDIT:

I see that the above stud size is not 5/8...

Last edited by Birdman; Dec 14, 2011 at 03:45 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2011 | 03:38 PM
  #5  
Birdman's Avatar
Birdman
Thread Starter
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 10
From: Charleston SC
Default

Rocker arm stud appears fine as well.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2011 | 03:45 PM
  #6  
MelWff's Avatar
MelWff
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,626
Likes: 2,553
Default

these would be better

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CCA-1412-16/

Last edited by MelWff; Dec 14, 2011 at 03:48 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2011 | 03:46 PM
  #7  
Birdman's Avatar
Birdman
Thread Starter
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 10
From: Charleston SC
Default

Originally Posted by MelWff
Without knowing the full history of the engine difficult to come up with the exact answer. if original from 1968 just worn out. I would check the rocker arm stud to see if there is a groove worn on the side of it from the rocker being cocked at that angle. Depending on how far you want to go, at the very least replace the rocker arms and any worn rocker arm studs. Ideally you should have the heads converted to screw in rocker studs with pushrod guides. Obviously change the oil and filter no matter what you do.
Will the link I posted work?

And keep in mind I don't have money anymore..and so I'm not looking to convert anything, or even improve. Simply get working again.

And do you think that tapping was from the rocker, or the pieces from the rocker?
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2011 | 03:49 PM
  #8  
MelWff's Avatar
MelWff
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,626
Likes: 2,553
Default

It was from the rocker but you need to replace all of them. This would be a better choice

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CCA-1412-16/

This is the cheaper choice

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CCA-1212-16/

Last edited by MelWff; Dec 14, 2011 at 03:53 PM.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-9

Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

 Joe Kucinski
Old Dec 14, 2011 | 03:52 PM
  #9  
bigvette1's Avatar
bigvette1
Drifting
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 11
From: Schaumburg IL
Default

Understand you dilemma on this $$ issue. If not replacing all rockers, yes the bare bones Summit with ball and nut will work. As an alternative to save some $$ ck out some of the local machine shops that build engines and I bet they have some old 1.6 rockers, ***** and nuts laying around that they might just give you one.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2011 | 03:53 PM
  #10  
Birdman's Avatar
Birdman
Thread Starter
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 10
From: Charleston SC
Default

Originally Posted by MelWff
Just to confirm:

-I'm supposed to get roller tips, instead of non-roller like what's in there now?

-Rocker arm ratio is 1.52?

-Stud size is 3/8"? Am I thinking of the same thing? The nut that I took off of the rocker was 5/8..

-Long slot style instead of standard?
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2011 | 03:56 PM
  #11  
MelWff's Avatar
MelWff
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,626
Likes: 2,553
Default

I'm supposed to get roller tips, instead of non-roller like what's in there now?

-Rocker arm ratio is 1.52? Correct slight performance increase

-Stud size is 3/8"? Am I thinking of the same thing? The nut that I took off of the rocker was 5/8.. The stud is 3/8 in diameter not the nut.

-Long slot style instead of standard? The part number I posted had only one type of slot
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2011 | 04:05 PM
  #12  
Birdman's Avatar
Birdman
Thread Starter
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 10
From: Charleston SC
Default

Awesome, I appreciate all of the help, and thanks for bearing with me, I'm still learning.

Will these work fine? And which means more performance as you stated, 1.5 or say 1.6?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MAN-43140/?rtype=10
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2011 | 04:09 PM
  #13  
DRIVESHAFT's Avatar
DRIVESHAFT
Drifting
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
From: League City TX
Default

Your local auto parts store can get you replacement rockers for about $3 each.
There really isnt a reason to replace the whole set unless you just feel like it.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2011 | 04:14 PM
  #14  
fanmanbd's Avatar
fanmanbd
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: Northern New Jersey
Default

Originally Posted by DRIVESHAFT
Your local auto parts store can get you replacement rockers for about $3 each.
There really isnt a reason to replace the whole set unless you just feel like it.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2011 | 04:30 PM
  #15  
jordan89's Avatar
jordan89
Safety Car
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
Default

Originally Posted by DRIVESHAFT
Your local auto parts store can get you replacement rockers for about $3 each.
There really isnt a reason to replace the whole set unless you just feel like it.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2011 | 04:31 PM
  #16  
STL 71 C3's Avatar
STL 71 C3
Instructor
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
Default

there is no way that valve stem doesn't have damage.

If you replace just the rocker you will be doing it again very soon with the valve and possibly other parts as well.

The rocker would have had to be in a bind to do that. Does the head have guide plates? Are they worn?
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2011 | 04:42 PM
  #17  
GOSFAST's Avatar
GOSFAST
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 894
Likes: 91
Default Valve/rocker damage

Just a "heads-up", the rocker in the photo to the left of the broken one appears to also have an issue!

Tough to tell from the photo, but something doesn't look right?

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. I would recommend checking for possible "flat" cam lobes AND incorrect (late) ignition timing!
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Got a rocker problem..

Old Dec 14, 2011 | 05:06 PM
  #18  
dochorsepower's Avatar
dochorsepower
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 50
From: Laguna Niguel California
Default

GOSFAST Gary got me to thinking and I looked at the pictures again. What about that left rocker? Has the nut been loosened? Check for bent pushrods.

Good luck, Bill
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2011 | 05:26 PM
  #19  
Birdman's Avatar
Birdman
Thread Starter
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 10
From: Charleston SC
Default

Originally Posted by GOSFAST
Just a "heads-up", the rocker in the photo to the left of the broken one appears to also have an issue!

Tough to tell from the photo, but something doesn't look right?

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. I would recommend checking for possible "flat" cam lobes AND incorrect (late) ignition timing!
Just got back from the parts store, bought two for $4.

And Gary, now you've got me worried.. is it because it appears misaligned? How do you correct that?

How do I check for flat cam lobes? I know of them and the issue, and have been using recommended oil.. And the timing has been done by me multiple times, so I'm fairly certain it is correct..
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2011 | 05:30 PM
  #20  
Birdman's Avatar
Birdman
Thread Starter
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 10
From: Charleston SC
Default

Originally Posted by STL 71 C3
there is no way that valve stem doesn't have damage.

If you replace just the rocker you will be doing it again very soon with the valve and possibly other parts as well.

The rocker would have had to be in a bind to do that. Does the head have guide plates? Are they worn?

Could you elaborate on the valve stem?

I don't believe the heads have guide plates..what do they look like?

And to address someone else's question, the pushrods appear fine and straight..
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:43 AM.

story-0
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-2
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

Slideshow: 10 things C8 Corvette owners hate, but won't tell you.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-01 18:36:07


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

Slideshow: Should you add one of these incredible Corvettes to your garage?

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-01 18:14:05


VIEW MORE
story-9
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE