valve rockers

[davevramp]

Does any one have a easy way to install valve rockers? Is there a tool that I am missing?
Thanks
Dave

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Dave

There is no tool to install the rockers. The rocker shaft should slide easially through them and the rocker boss on the head. Of course for this to happen the cylinder your working on must be on TDC of the firing stroke. You will probably also have to push slightly down on the rocker pushing in on the pushrod to collapse the lifter in order to line everything up. Don't force anything.

I'm not sure how prevelent this is or if it even applies to C-145 cylinders but on some later small Continental heads there is a set screw in the center head boss which holds the rocker shaft in place.

[cessna170bdriver]

I'm not sure how prevelent this is or if it even applies to C-145 cylinders but on some later small Continental heads there is a set screw in the center head boss which holds the rocker shaft in place.

I've never seen such a set screw in a C145/O300 cylinder, but it probably would have been a good idea. I replaced all of my valve covers this overhaul because the originals were worn about half way through by the rocker shafts. I seem to remember that there have been cases where the shafts wore all the way through the covers . In my ECI cylinders, the ends of the rocker shafts have been specially machined and haveTeflon buttons pressed in to prevent that kind of wear. It is that attention to detail that swayed me toward ECI cylinders.

Miles

[HA]

hey Dave, you may find that you have to compress the valve spring a bit to get the rocker shaft to slide it, especially when doing field work on cylinders. the only time it'll slide right in otherwise is if the lifter is compressed, not likely unless doing a build up on the stand.

so, an easy helper tool I use is an eye bolt (1/4 x 20 thread) that screws into one of the valve cover screw holes. then stick a screwdriver (flat blade, wide as will fit through your eye bolt) through the eye and use it to lever down your valve. then while you've got it all lined up use your third hand to slide the shaft into place. ta da.

easy with practice.

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

HA that's a great idea. Only hope I remember it next time I need to use it.

[sphillips]

The later Continental cylinders had the bolt to hold the shaft in place

[davevramp]

HA

You Are The Man

Used your ¼ 20 I bolt trick and it worked well. I would like to add that I screwed the ¼ 20 I bolt into the valve cover hold down female threaded and backed it up with a ¼ 20 nut were it exited on the out side of the gkt area. There is no way to pull out the treads on the cylinder gkt area with the nut on the back side. I was putting in new springs and it looked like a good thing to do. This one tip was worth the price of admission. I owe you one.
Thanks
Dave

If you ever get out this way drinks are on me (nj74)

[blueldr]

There is a valve spring depressing tool made for removing or installing valve springs.

[GAHorn]

At the chinese tool store (Harbor Freight) I bought a cute little valve-spring compressor ( fits in the palm of your hand) that looks like it'd work just fine, for about $9. Hope I never need it.