Heads questions
 

Been having problems with breaking rocker arm studs, going to replace wth 190,000 ARP studs. Now while trying to find out why they are breaking, other info has come up. Stud gridles? Good, bad? and the lastest info is the use of Inconel valves on the exhaust do to high temperatures. Any opinions? Please let me know, 88

What kind of motor? Did you change camshaft? If it is stock rocker arms are the slots in the long enough?
Mike

not stock roller everything,cam, lifters, rocker arms

I have broken plenty of stock studs. They work fine for a while and then start to let go one after the other. Put the ARP's on, youll be fine.

Out of alignment?
 

There is a problem that most people are unaware of with roller rocker arms. If the stud isn't in perfect alignment with the valve stem, the rocker arm will bind when it opens the valve. A roller rocker arm has a ridged rocking fulcrom (the needle bearings). The good part about the stamped steel rocker arms is that the rocking fulcrom is a ball. It will self align the rocker arm, with the valve if the stud is slightly out of alignment with the valve stem. This is one of the major advantages to a stud and ball style rocker arm system.
Usually the first thing to wear out on roller rockers is the roller that contacts the valve stem tip, and then the valve guides, but in your case I think it is playing hell with your studs. Stiff valve springs don't help the problem either. Check the stud to valve alignment.
Sincerely
Dennis Moore

Dennis, will the stud girdle help keep everything aligned?

..in my Merlin heads
 

I run ARP studs, Comp Cams' stainless roller rockers and a stud girdle. I used to break a few stock studs now and then but since doing this upgrade to my 502, haven't experienced a problem.

Later, Brian Kamrath
'trim tab builder extraordinaire'

Before messing with stud girdles...pain in the A$$. Buy a set of Jesel shaft rockers and be done with it. ;)

Yeah, those Jesel's do look sweet. I went the girdle route because of an excellent deal and I already had the ss roller rockers.

Now this may warrant another thread but, has anyone broken or cracked an aluminum roller rocker whether it be Crane,Sharp or TRW?

Anyone know a web address for the Jesel shaft rockers? And what are they? New studs or new rockers? Thanks for all the posts, Bob