Rocker nuts stuck

I have two of the 4 rocker nuts stuck. I cannot turn either the nut or the adjuster screw. I have tried PB and heat. What is the recommended method for breaking them free without damaging the rocker?

Might be a good time to try mixing up some homebrew penetrating fluid - acetone and ATF. They say it works better than anything you can buy off the shelf.

You might be looking at new rocker arms if they're rusted that badly though.

The best I can suggest is to remove the rocker, clamp it in a vise and apply more heat but not red hot, spray it with PB and use a socket to loosen the nut.
If the stud is frozen you may have to destroy it to remove it in which case new studs are in order.

Here is what I would do...(this disclaimer is intended to warn the alert reader that the following may not be a good idea)

First I would use some Corrosion Block on it. The stuff costs a lot and so I use it sparingly but it works well on this type of problem. I have taken the remenants of cans that have lost their propellent and put it into a tiny oil can so that I can apply a drop or two. It is amazing how far you can stretch the stuff.

I would then heat the area with my heat gun until it was hot enough that it was uncomfortable to put my fingers on it. I would put on a little more corrosion block and let it cool. Repeate.

By heating and cooling while putting penetrant on it, you are hoping that the different objects expand and contract at slightly differnt rates and help to break it free plus get some penetrant into the spaces between.

I would then put a box end wrench on there that fits well. Look at what kind of force you will be applying to the rocker when you torque the wrench and make yourself a wooden wedge to push between the head casting and the rocker. Heat it back up. I regularly clamp my heat gun in place and find something else to do to give it time. If it won't break free with the wrench at this point, I would shock the end of the wrench with a hammer. A solid whack while holding everything in tension. This is similar to using an impact driver and it is when you really want that piece of wood in there.

I would be surprised if that doesn't do it. I would not continue to whack on it with a hammer if that doesn't break it free, but would go back to the drawing board.

Russ

Guido said:

The best I can suggest is to remove the rocker, clamp it in a vise and apply more heat but not red hot, spray it with PB and use a socket to loosen the nut.
If the stud is frozen you may have to destroy it to remove it in which case new studs are in order.

Click to expand...

Thanks. That did it. I again was just a little leery of putting too much pressure on it. I was afraid to break the rocker. I did have to give the wrench a tap with a hammer to break the grip. They are not rusted. Just have been sitting for 20+ years. Nothing looks damaged. All back in the head and on to the next step.

I appreciate the advice from all.

jon