Offshoreonly.com - Comp Cams - Issues with rocker arms, premature failure.

Quote:

Originally Posted by distantthunder (Post 4445626)

Thanks for the input everyone. I should of clarified a bit more. This is my first BBC engine build and I adjusted the valves too tight during the assembly phase which was noticed and corrected however, it was too late at that point. You have to start somewhere and this is just a learning experience for me. Additionally, I believe Comp Cams have a great product and great support. I wouldn't expect them to warranty anything and I stated that when I spoke with them yesterday, I just wanted their input on the situation (other than you didn't do something right) which they provided based on the pictures. They do want the rocker arms back to verify that it is not a manufacturing defect with the machined oil gallery as they said it's rare, but has happened before especially since it wasn't all of the rockers that had an issue on my installation.

I was mainly posting this for everyone's thoughts on a cause and additional suggestions for me to avoid this in the future. I also wanted to get this on the OSO forum in case another amateur engine builder comes across this, they can see my experience. Since it will be raining here this weekend, the engine should be getting pulled tonight for a tear down and inspection. All the valve train parts are Comp Cams (K-01-451-8), FYI. I am also going to check out the lubrication system as it is apparent that there was a lack a lubrication at some point while running causing the damage and carbon on the components. Once again, I appreciate everyone's suggestions and I will provide an update when available. I was planning on upgrading the rocker arms and such during this time because I need to buy new parts anyway. Not because I am unhappy with Comp Cams.

I kind of figured as much that's why I made note to not get down on yourself. Might be a little costly but I've seen much worse happen with newbies. We've all made mistakes at one point or another building engines. I think most would agree with that at some point in their life or perhaps their not being honest or they simply haven't even built an engine. I was taught at very young age from one of the most meticulous engine builders I've met even to this day. When I mentioned clean, clean, clean in earlier post that of course is extremely important however actually got me in trouble many years ago on a build.

After I got my rotating assembly back from machine shop having balanced I was adiment about recleaning everything before assemble so I soaked my Pistons, rods, crank, rings etc. So to make a long story short I ran the engine for about 3 minutes during cam brake before it locked up. Would not even roll over. I was dumb founded as to what I could have possibly done wrong or what broke etc as I had built several engines without failure. Needless to say what I had completely forgotten prior to assemble was to relubricate piston pins. When I soaked/recleaned Pistons and rods it had desolved the assembly lube. It finally dawned on me what I had failed to do once I got over the initial shock of having to pull the engine and do a complete tear down.

I was able to save the pistons with honing slightly over acceptable clearance but did have to replace the pins. Needless to say this hurt my pride more so than my wallet however it was a learning lesson. You can never be overly conscientious when it comes to building engines and don't get distracted. Sometime with our busy lives we get involved with many things going on at once. It happens. I am still overly cautious with not only over cleaning parts but also assembling in an exceptionally clean shop. Back to the Pistons and rods if you ever run into such a thing just put your assembled Pistons and rods in the oven at 200 degrees and oil your pins while moving rod side to side and rotating until they are lubed well. I use assembly lube.

Most often I don't assemble them until ready for install however things don't always work out the way you'd like so sometimes they may sit on the shelf before install potentially collecting who knows what. In which case have plenty of siran wrap and clean boxes on hand.

Just thought I'd share this as it may help you or others from making the same mistake as I.