Squeaking Rocker Arms

[gray85]

I have a new set of Edelbrock Performer Aluminum Heads for my 85 Vette. I seem to be having a problem with a squeaking noise coming from the rocker arms. When I replaced the heads, I also replaced the rocker arms with a new set of stamped steel rocker arms. The noise seems to be coming from the rocker arms and I have had the washers replaced once.

My thought is that the problem is the result of lack of oil to the washers on the rocker arms. The oil pressure is good and I am using mobile one oil.

At this point the problem could be the following:

1) The stamped rocker arms are not a good fit for the Edelbrock Performer Heads

2) The oil pump (or a passages) are not allowing the oil to make it the top of the rocker arms. BTW, the squeaking is only after the car is warm.



Could you please provide me with any advise for the Edelbrock Heads, such as any history of similar problems.

I would love to go with a set of roller rockers, but I am still using the stock value covers and I understand that the roller rockers would require taller value covers.

 

[Ken]

1.5 rollers should work under the covers. However, 1.6 rollers might give clearance issues.

As for the "squeak", I'm not sure what could be the cause.

 

[Florida Guy]

I sure would be taking the rocker arm covers off and looking. You should be able to tell if its getting enough oil.

 

[Hib Halverson]

I sure would be taking the rocker arm covers off and looking. You should be able to tell if its getting enough oil.

If you get the covers off and find no lubrication, each rocker which has had no oil and has been running is probably damaged. You'll have to 1) find out why the engine's getting no lubrication to the rockers and then 2) replace any rocker that ran dry. Also, inspect the ends of each valve stem which was contacted by a "dry rocker." It is possible there is damage to stems, as well.

If there's no oil in the top end, look for a internal oil leak or a restriction in the oil passages that feed the lifters. If you find that, my bet is that you'll also have to buy new lifters and maybe even a new cam.

 

[redeasysport]

Talk about MR. Sunshine but Hib is right.

 

[gray85]

Thanks for all the helpful information. I did take the value covers off and oil is making it throught the valve stems. I just think that there may be a problem with oil making it between the rocker and washer. I believe that the stamped steel rocker arms are a bad design and that a full roller rocker arm might be better fit, but want to full investigate the problem before I put more money into the engine.

Your thoughts on roller rockers, are they a waste of money or could they help?

 

[8388]

Your thoughts on roller rockers, are they a waste of money or could they help?

The only way to go.

 

[redc4corvette]

Sounds like squeaky valve seats to me.
Check the under side of the rocker ,if they are scuffed below where the push rod installs the seat is breaking in and it should quit around 500 miles.
Roller rockers will not stop this sound ,but will add to the horse power at high revs.
I have had the springs doing this on alum heads,the springs would not seat into the head and some times it can get pretty loud.
On one set of heads I blew 2 bottles of nitrous through at the track and had to change the oil the brass seat was all inside the valve cover.
It did quiet the noise.

 

[gray85]

Great info redc4corvette!!! I will check it out, this is the information I need.