rocker arm shaft play

[oktagon88]

I´m assambling quiet now the 440 engine of a MK III. I´ve seen there is an enormous play between shaft and rocker arm. Is it normal?

Florian

[thomaslk]

Hi Florian,
first of all - just for understanding - are you talking about brand new engine parts or a used engine with high mileage?
I have the impression some wear seems to be quite normal for the stamped steel rockers. As the contact forces are concentrated in the lower part of the rocker bore where the contact to the rocker shaft creates friction it is quite unrealistic to expect even wear. Despite hardened surfaces a kind of oval wear of the rocker bore is happening. I have demounted rockers with more than 1mm play between rocker bore and upper side of the rocker shaft. Engine did not make any unusual noise from the valve train.
Maybe others have more experience regarding this topic.
rgds
Thomas

[oktagon88]

Hi Thomas,

thanks for information,

this is an old part (low mileage). But like you say without any visible wear.

rgds
Florian

[Per]

With hydraulic (i.e. self adjusting) tappets that is not a problem.

[Joe Schiavone]

A sheet of paper is 2-2.5 thousandths RacerJoe