Rocker spindle removal in situ

I've got a new RGM kit to lock in the rocker spindles. What I'm wondering is can I heat the head, extract the spindles for inspection, and put them back in the head without taking the head off the engine? I will, of course, slack off any pressure on the rockers, etc.

John B in Bama said:

I've got a new RGM kit to lock in the rocker spindles. What I'm wondering is can I heat the head, extract the spindles for inspection, and put them back in the head without taking the head off the engine? I will, of course, slack off any pressure on the rockers, etc.

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Yes. Provided the rocker you’re removing is ‘loose’ and not being lifted by the cam, you can do this. This is assuming you still have the spring Thackeray washers in place. If you’ve got shims it’ll be a bit trickier.

When I had the Titanic's motor on the bench, I realized I had excluded one of the thrust washers on one of the rockers. First, I made sure the valve was closed and had clearance, then I used a propane torch to heat the rocker bosses inside the cover and was able to pull the shaft, install the washer and re-install the shaft without heating the entire head or pulling anything other than the cover for access.

Yes-I had all 4 of mine out for inspection a while back. Used a heat gun to warm the head, made a simple puller from PVC pipe and threaded rod. and kept a small magnet next to the washers as the spindle came out so as not to lose one.

run the motor for a while and get it good and hot. It should still need the propane torch (MAP gas is better) but things will go quicker.

Yes I did this when replacing the intake seals and doing the Ex & In springs while there. I followed a pdf guide I re-posted in this thread here: https://accessnorton.com/NortonComm...al-tool-brilliant-2005.690/page-2#post-393677


Basically a temp spindle is inserted as the real spindle comes out to keep all the elements in place and allow enough slop in the rocker arm to perform the spring compression using the described tool.

Worked well....but be super careful to manage any washer fall with rags or magnets, voodo, etc.