M20 rocker arm shaft

[tylernaugle]

Broke the #6 rocker arm on the intake side. Saw a couple of threads where you can pull that from the head still attached. Was wondering what I can do to actually pull that shaft out as it seems to be lodged in the head. May have it an half inch to an inch out already. And before someone comments it was not the timing belt it was due to heavy rpm and it snapped that way. Clean snap so I know the valve didn't bend or anything as it's pretty fail proof since the spring would've contracted the valve.

[4x4_e30]

A lot of times there's carbon buildup on the parts of the shaft that are exposed, so when you try to force the shaft through it gets stuck.

[tylernaugle]

So should I just get a piece of Ss tubing slide it in and use a crowbar?

[TobyB]

You've got the cam sprocket off already, right?

If it's gunked up (yes, that happens) working it back and forth will free it. Also, if
the surfaces are a bit worn, they catch on the support towers and the rockers-
again, working it back and forth and rotating it helps there, too.

Yes, you CAN use force, but be very careful- you want to use a piece of tubing that's
just a tiny bit smaller than the shaft, and won't damage the support tower boring. And
if everything's ok, it shouldn't take much, so be gentle... that damned thing is softer than I'd have expected it to be

hth


t

[tylernaugle]

Ok, so I couldn't get the shaft off so I am took the head off. Better question now is if I should take it to the machine shop and have it checked and have the valves regrinded or if it is fine. Only reason I am asking is cause a friend of mine said it should be fine if just out the new head gasket on put it back on while I am thinking it's better to do it once then twice.

[SkiFree]

Only reason I am asking is cause a friend of mine said it should be fine if just out the new head gasket on put it back on while I am thinking it's better to do it once then twice.

"Should be fine" leaves a lot of disparity out there. Sounds like you have more common sense than he does.

If I had a nickle for each time someone said "it should be fine".....

[digger]

Any decent machine shop will tell you straight up what needs to be done

[AndrewBird]

It at least needs to be skimmed so the gasket has a nice flat surface to seal against.

[Ether-D]

My machinist charges $100 to do valves and skim a m20 head. That's if I take the rocker shafts and rockers and cam out. It's worth it to have it done while you're in there. Also, if you do end up removing the rocker shafts, they "push" in and out. No hammers!! Ever. If the end of that rocker shaft mushrooms, you'll be entering a world of pain… a world of pain. Good luck.

[digger]

i've used a hammer and 1/2" wooden dowel

[Ether-D]

^That would be the exception to the rule. So "No hammers!! Ever!…Unless you are using a wooden dowel!!"