Aluminum roller upgrade question

[chermik1999]

Q.

I've had 2 roller rockers on 2 seperate engines already fail with the adjuster bolt stripping in the aluminum. I realize the cheaper brands may have this problem more often.
Can I install SS helicoils in each rocker to stop a potential future problem? Thoughts or experiences?

 

[ckessel]

Do you know the manufacture of the current rockers you're using?

 

[padam]

Q.

I've had 2 roller rockers on 2 seperate engines already fail with the adjuster bolt stripping in the aluminum. I realize the cheaper brands may have this problem more often.
Can I install SS helicoils in each rocker to stop a potential future problem? Thoughts or experiences?

I think I’d scrap them all if I got this failure.

 

[chermik1999]

Both sets were proform. 1 SB and 1 BB. I caught the BB during build, but missed the SB. Not nice. They did send me 2 replacements but I thought of helicoil insurance?

 

[ckessel]

I'm with Padam. Boot them and start over with better units.

 

[chermik1999]

Rockers have got so darn expensive between manufacturing companies. These guys aren't that bad but thought for a few extra $$, helicoils would work well? Otherwise ya, spend double for Harlands etc i suppose.

 

[Cranky]

Both sets were proform. 1 SB and 1 BB. I caught the BB during build, but missed the SB. Not nice. They did send me 2 replacements but I thought of helicoil insurance?

View attachment 1967932

View attachment 1967933

Are these on a street car or drag race only? Either way.....GET RID OF THEM!!! Aluminum should never be used for street duty and really shouldn't be on a race car either. So many think they are lighter. Over all they usually are lighter but it's the areas that hang over the push rods and valves that are heavier. Also, rollers on rockers do NOT add any benefit....and it's a waste of money.

 

[chermik1999]

Street car. Nothing crazy. Yup...agreed.

 

[33 IMP]

If you have the helicoil installation tool, and are an experienced user/installer...... I'd try the helicoils before throwing the rockers away. You WILL HAVE TO determine how the pushrods are oiled. The helicoil may block a passage that needs to be open.
However, for a street engine that will see some miles, I prefer stock style iron adjustables, or stainless.

 

[dvw]

I've had aluminum (Crane gold, Mopar Performance blue) rockers on my street cars for over 20 years. Not daily drivers. But never an issue. If the adjuster was tight and the threads stripped there is a hardness issue. My racecar cracked a T&D rocker in the thread area last year. They had over 1100 runs at 810 psi open pressure. Bought them used in 2012.
Doug

 

[chermik1999]

Dually noted.

 

[chermik1999]

I've had aluminum (Crane gold, Mopar Performance blue) rockers on my street cars for over 20 years. Not daily drivers. But never an issue. If the adjuster was tight and the threads stripped there is a hardness issue. My racecar cracked a T&D rocker in the thread area last year. They had over 1100 runs at 810 psi open pressure. Bought them used in 2012.
Doug

Ya in the aluminum...thats why thought of helicoil solutions?

 

[chermik1999]

If you have the helicoil installation tool, and are an experienced user/installer...... I'd try the helicoils before throwing the rockers away. You WILL HAVE TO determine how the pushrods are oiled. The helicoil may block a passage that needs to be open.
However, for a street engine that will see some miles, I prefer stock style iron adjustables, or stainless.

Rods are solid so no worries that way.
Pretty simple process. Follow the drill and tap instructions. Add a dab of JB weld and screw in the coil. Let dry and reinstall the adjusters.

 

[padam]

First, with the hole that messed up, it’s going to be tough to get the helicoil installed straight.

I’m a real cheap ***, but not a good place to put Chinese junk.

 

[chermik1999]

First, with the hole that messed up, it’s going to be tough to get the helicoil installed straight.

I’m a real cheap ***, but not a good place to put Chinese junk.

Ya that one's been replaced. Am more thinking of doing the rest and any future ones of similar lower priced brands.

 

[dodgeboy440]

Are these on a street car or drag race only? Either way.....GET RID OF THEM!!! Aluminum should never be used for street duty and really shouldn't be on a race car either. So many think they are lighter. Over all they usually are lighter but it's the areas that hang over the push rods and valves that are heavier. Also, rollers on rockers do NOT add any benefit....and it's a waste of money.

True words said !

For a technical write up on rocker tech
Please go to .

TDmacnine.com

You’ll learn “ it’s what about the valve sees “

Those Guys are some extremely gifted
Craftsman!

Mopar2ya!

John

 

[RemCharger]

Often the adjusters were never really cleaned/ checked/ finished when they come with new rockers. I go over them very carefully to clean burrs etc, and make sure all adjusters go in and out easily. That's failure 1. Failure 2 is over torquing the lock nut and ripping the threads out. I guess failure 3 would be that the aluminum is too soft, I've never seen that.
As far as aluminum .... all of the best rockers are. For the most demanding applications.

 

[dvw]

Ya in the aluminum...thats why thought of helicoil solutions?

I'm sure it would be stronger. But the issue is, it shouldn't have happened unless the adjuster was loose. No way the rocker should be that soft. I guess another possibility is the threads were cut incorrectly to start. How did the adjuster feel? Smooth? Binding? I'd pull them all apart for a good inspection of the threads.
Doug

 

[Photon440]

If the aluminum is too soft, then the helicoil will be in soft aluminum, not much improvement.

 

[chermik1999]

Good point. I didnt think I overtightend, but thats possible. I do know on the BB application it was just stripped in the box. They too sent a replacement but didnt have time to wait 3 weeks. So did the helicoil. Breakin and dyno went well.