Topic: 76 550K Rocker Shaft Removal / Stuck

[Popwood]

This is a later model year cam cover with improved rocker shafts held in place by wedge-shaped bolt. Is there a trick to knocking these out?  I'm afraid of hitting them too hard.

Thanks.

[chickenman_26]

This is a later model year cam cover with improved rocker shafts held in place by wedge-shaped bolt. Is there a trick to knocking these out?  I'm afraid of hitting them too hard.

Thanks.

The safest way is to remove the nut, then use a piece of wooden dowel rod and a hammer to strike the threaded end. An alternative - unscrew the nut till the end of the threads is just below the surface of the nut, then strike with brass drift and hammer - easy does it there. Several lighter taps are less likely to cause problems than one hard smack. Once you break the taper fit, it'll drop right out.

Stu

[Popwood]

Thanks, Chickenman 22. I'll give that a shot. Or several light shots. 

[Popwood]

Well, I've tried the hammer and hardwood dowel using multiple medium hammer strokes and no movement whatsoever.

The main reason I want to remove these is to switch out two rocker arm cam followers that are ever so slightly pitted. Maybe it's not worth it? Both arms are on the same shaft so I only need to remove one shaft.

[chickenman_26]

Well, I've tried the hammer and hardwood dowel using multiple medium hammer strokes and no movement whatsoever.

The main reason I want to remove these is to switch out two rocker arm cam followers that are ever so slightly pitted. Maybe it's not worth it? Both arms are on the same shaft so I only need to remove one shaft.

Okay, so go with the brass drift. But if the followers are smooth with only a few tiny pits and the cam lobes look good, I don't think I'd screw with it. Pics would help.

Stu

[Popwood]

Chickenman,

I'd say the pitting on the two followers is at most 2% of the cam follower face. At this stage, I'm not going to worry about it, likely not that big a deal. Today I painted the replacement cam cover, breather cap and end caps. I'm ready to button it up and get back on the road.

Thanks for your suggestions, though. It's what makes this (and other things) a terrific forum.

Steve