Topic: Need advice on rocker arms for a 1977 cb550

[arncruz]

How do you know if the rocker arms need replacement?  I have a few that have not so smooth surfaces where it comes to contact with the valves.  Do these need to be absolutely smooth?  Does anyone one on the forum have extra rocker arms for a 1977 cb550 for sale?

Thanks

[Trad]

They need to be smooth. Once the chrome starts to pit/chip it is downhill from there. There is a hard chrome surface and a obviously softer metal underneath. I was able to purchase all new rocker arms from David Silvers USA so you can try there. You can also have your current rockers hard chromed by Dynoman performance. You can also look for a used set with it's matching camshaft. It's not ideal mix and match cams and lifters as they have worn in together.

Can you post a photo so I can see exactly what you are dealing with?

[arncruz]

Here are some pictures of the rocker arms

[dave500]

so long as they aren't pitted or hard facing isn't peeling of they'll be ok.

[arncruz]

Dave,
The first picture shows a rocker on the very left wt some deep and palpable scratches.  Would this be considered pitting?

[dave500]

yeah without holding them id say so,its a bit hard with some photos,hows the cam lobe look they came from?you can get hard weld done etc,that can get expensive.

[Trad]

I can see in the first photo some deep gouges on the rocker pad in the right side of the picture. Those are toast my friend. The others look the the hard chrome is getting worn also. Sorry to be there bearer of bad news but many of us have been in this spot.

[arncruz]

I figured this was the case.  last night I decided look for new rockers but way too expensive.  The cheaper alternative is to send the rockers to cycle exchange to be coated.  It's about $100.   The camshaft ears look good, so I don't understand why there is so much pitting. 

[Trad]

I figured this was the case.  last night I decided look for new rockers but way too expensive.  The cheaper alternative is to send the rockers to cycle exchange to be coated.  It's about $100.   The camshaft ears look good, so I don't understand why there is so much pitting.

If the rockers are not held back with rubber bands and the cam cover is installed it is very easy to clip them on edges/points in the head. I would guess that's how you got some of the deeper gouges. The cycle X coating is some type of polymer, I'm not sure how it's going to work on such a damaged pad. They may sand them smooth and then coat but I don't think it will hold up like hard chrome or hard welding. I still have my offer up to you if you change your mind

[arncruz]

Calj737, where would I get the rocker arms and cam shaft hardwelded? 

[arncruz]

calj737,
The cost is abit steep.  Do you have any knowledge of the cycle exchange hi performance engine coating?  I was thinking about getting the rocker arms and cam shaft coated.  They also do coatings on the clutch plates.  Just wondering if you have any experience with this coating. 

Thanks