[Landshark928]

New engine build. Brand new 1.65 Scorpion Rockers #10002527 and 7.900" Procomp pushrods #PC7802. Maybe 45 minutes of run time. Mostly idle and one 5 mile round road trip.

Went to put in my new push rods today. 8.150" Manley. I know the PC push rods were too short.

What caused this damage to my guideplates? Rockers were at weird angles. Luckily I caught this early and can change out the guideplates. Just want to know what I missed so it doesn't happen again.
Is it because the PC rods were too short and the lip was catching the guideplate? My Manley rods are not stepped like that but rather solid to the swedged end.



Thanks for the help!

[ssmonty]

Did you check to see that the pushrod was clearing the end of the guide plate slot? You probably know that the 1.65:1 ratio moves the pushrod closer to the rocker stud(bottom of guide plate slot) than a 1.5:1 ratio rocker does.
ssmonty

[Landshark928]

Originally Posted by ssmonty

Did you check to see that the pushrod was clearing the end of the guide plate slot? You probably know that the 1.65:1 ratio moves the pushrod closer to the rocker stud(bottom of guide plate slot) than a 1.5:1 ratio rocker does.
ssmonty

I didn't check. My bad. I'm guessing the step on the push rod end was catching on the guideplate.

[Landshark928]

Here's the PC push rod. Has the step on both ends.



Might have been okay with a flat guide plate.

[speedydeedy]

Originally Posted by Landshark928

I didn't check. My bad. I'm guessing the step on the push rod end was catching on the guideplate.

You are very correct.The step in the push rod ate out the guide plate.I am glad you don't have any bad issues.

[64nailhead]

What is the purpose of the stepped section? Weight maybe? How did the rocker look at the pushrod seat?

[BigMo]

Through that junk out.....stepped pushrods?? Give me a break.....I would say with a 1.65 rocker, the step was surely hitting the guideplate.....now you got some fine metal debris inside, yummm......

[BigMo]

crap, too early yet....meant "throw that......."

[Richiehd]

What heads are you using? When I got my World heads they came with the wrong guideplates. I bought the proper guide plates direct through World (Flat ones) I then had to adjust each one of them so the rockers were directly on the tip of the valve. I then had to grind away a couple of threads of two cylinder head studs (Head studs installed instead of bolts) where the stud had not been installed deep enough Quit frankly a 1.65 rocker is alot of lift for a small block. I would have used a bigger cam if I wanted more lift.

[spinn]

When you oil primed or valve adjusted it didn't you notice something?

Did something like the cover push against it?

The step is to kill deflection and harmonics. It may give some clearance benefits as well.

Do not count it as metal debris contaminated. You can clean it up , and have lasting success. Wipe the covers , valley, lifter bores,and pan, anything you can reach.

Do you need guide plates? Ik] know , but the 1.65 ratio is cool. Did you have your cam ordered to use the 1.65 rocker ratio, and still maintain their spec? Or is it stacked on their spec?

[Landshark928]

Airwolf 220 heads form Dr.J's performance.

I oil primed with a drill through the distributor hole.

Honestly, I spaced out on double checking, when I cranked the engine over with out firing it seemed okay.

I set the lash cold, put on the girdle, double checked and ran it. Checked the lash hot and it was dead on. Just never looked at the guide plates.

Heading out to get new plates now. Hoping the local speed shops have something in stock.

I'm pulling the pan and draining oil to see how much metal is in there tomorrow.

[spinn]

When I prime my engines, I check to see oil coming from all rockers. You have to turn the crank while priming to achieve this.

You don't adjust engine running?

It is unfortunate. Do not be too upset it happens, this is a minor set back.

First time I built my racing 440, I had all my friends around. The engine had a mechanical pump with tear in the diaphragm from reorientation. It pumped fuel into the crank case as I kept cranking it. A pos choke wire grounded out on the intake valley tray. BOOM! The dipstick fired across the garage.

Only thing I had to replace were the valve covers( bowed out) and the vally tray (ballooned).

[Landshark928]

Originally Posted by spinn

When I prime my engines, I check to see oil coming from all rockers. You have to turn the crank while priming to achieve this.

You don't adjust engine running?

It is unfortunate. Do not be too upset it happens, this is a minor set back.

First time I built my racing 440, I had all my friends around. The engine had a mechanical pump with tear in the diaphragm from reorientation. It pumped fuel into the crank case as I kept cranking it. A pos choke wire grounded out on the intake valley tray. BOOM! The dipstick fired across the garage.

Only thing I had to replace were the valve covers( bowed out) and the vally tray (ballooned).

It is a solid roller so no adjusting lash while running. I did check for oil while running with covers off, just didn't think about the guide plates. Never had a stepped push rod before.

Just got back from the speed shop with new guide plates. Comp Cams USA made. Should have the new rods and plates on in an hour or two.

Draining the oil, changing the filters. If it looks good, I'll take my chances. Most of the guideplates are bent and annealed, not worn down. Haven;t seen any shavings yet int he top end. We'll see what the bottom shows with the pan off. Good thing I have a 3 piece cross member and can pull the pan with the engine in the car!

[spinn]

Yeah, you got this covered.

[Landshark928]

Got the goods, now to hit the garage for the rest of the day! I hate when crap goes wrong, but honestly enjoy garage time more than driving... Kinda of my "quite ZEN" time.