REAMERS AND ROCKER ASSEMBLY

[BOBBYR]

Hi Gang,
Winter coming on here and I guess it time to put the Healey away. My 65 3000 ran really well this year and I learned a little more about the mechanical makeup of the old girl. I thought I would like to rebuild the rocker assembly over the winter along with the other routine maintenance I do every year. I was wondering if anyone knows where I could buy a reamer to size the bushings on the rocker arms. Any and all help would be appreciated. Hope you all are doing well.
Bobby R

 

[Randy Forbes]

Same yourself the aggrevation. for probably less than the cost of the tools, you can get Rocker Arm Rebuilders (renamed, see below) to fit bushes and supply a new rockershaft.

Tip, make sure that you send them your pedastals too!

I deal with Trent, and it was a very quick turn around (think about ALL the other things you'll also be able to do this winter).

ROCKERARMS.COM
19841 HIRSCH CT.
ANDERSON, CA 96007
530 378 1075

 

[HealeyRick]

Same yourself the aggrevation. for probably less than the cost of the tools, you can get Rocker Arm Rebuilders (renamed, see below) to fit bushes and supply a new rockershaft.

Tip, make sure that you send them your pedastals too!

I deal with Trent, and it was a very quick turn around (think about ALL the other things you'll also be able to do this winter).

ROCKERARMS.COM
19841 HIRSCH CT.
ANDERSON, CA 96007
530 378 1075

+1 These guys have been rebuilding Healey rockers for years. Go with them and you'll be happy.

 

[Bob_Spidell]

While we're on the subject, has anyone installed their high-lift (1.55:1) rockers? Wondering if they'll go in an otherwise stock 3000 engine and not hit pistons, foul the pushrods, etc.

 

[EV2239]

I'd guess they'll hone rather than ream too. Reaming isn't very satisfactory because A. It tends to leave ridges that make things feel tight and aren't when they've worn away and B. because they tend to go through at an angle so you get a narrow middle and wider towards the ends.

 

[TonyR]

Ever heard of parallel reamers ??? These make holes parallel.

 

[EV2239]

Ever heard of parallel reamers ??? These make holes parallel.

I have Tony, but I've been building engines since the sixties and I'm very aware of the problems of using reamers. Nowadays we don't have to because we can use more accurate hones.

Big Healey need well fitting rockers to maintain oil pressure, which is never great, so best to get them honed and not risk problems IMO.

Ash

 

[GregW]

While we're on the subject, has anyone installed their high-lift (1.55:1) rockers?

Hi Bob,
I have and their rockers are a work of art.

Wondering if they'll go in an otherwise stock 3000 engine and not hit pistons, foul the pushrods, etc.

The problem isn't hitting the pistons, but the engine block. I used a high lift cam in conjunction with the 1.55:1 rocker so I needed to have the block cut underneath the exhaust valves.
HERE is an old thread that should have the information you are looking for.

 

[Bob_Spidell]

Thanks, Greg. NOW I remember that discussion (the ol' non-volatile memory ain't so non-volatile anymore).

Do you think you wouldn't need the machining if you had a stock BJ8 cam?

 

[GregW]

I'd call Rocker Arms and ask them. I had planned to use a high lift cam so I never did the research for stock. I think some other members have used the 1.55. Maybe they will see this thread and chime in.

 

[BOBBYR]

Hi Guys,
Thank you for your responses. After reading them, I think the best way to go would be to contact Healey Surgeons and send the rocker assm to them. I'm sure that reamer would be quite expensive and the objective is to get it done correctly, so I can put my concern into the next project. I hope everyone is doing well and Santa is going to bring you what you want for the holiday. It's nice to know I can count on you all for help when I need it.
Thank You All
Bobby R