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TR4/4A TR4 valve & rocker lubrication

derickson

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I've just rebuilt my TR4 engine, and I removed the valve cover after the first 30 minutes of running to re-torque the head, and there's not nearly as much oil on the valves and rockers as I expected. I had lubed the valves/rocker interface with some engine assembly lube that's red, and some of it's still there. I have good oil pressure (70 psi @ 2000rpm). How can I tell if the rockers are getting sufficient oil? What is the oil path to the rockers? Is it up through the rocker pedastals?
 
Rejoice Derickson, you were successful.There should only be a trickle of oil coming out on the shaft and rockers.---Keoke- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gif
 
Hello Derickson,

run the engine at idle with the rocker cover off and you should see oil around each rocker where it pivots on the rocker shaft. The oil delivery tends to increase when you rev the engine so it could get a bit messy then. If you do not see oil at some of the rockers then you will need to strip the rocker assembly and check for blockages. If there is no oil visible at any of the rockers then you will need to check the feed from the head and up the pedestal.
Certainly the 6 cylinder engine has it's oil feed through the head and up a rocker pedestal, and I assume your engine will be the same. If there is no oil pipe visible to the rockers then that is the only route.

Alec
 
thanks- I can see the one rocker pedastal has a hole in the bottom where the oil comes up. Is it difficult to dissasemble the rocker assembly to check for blockages? Previous posts seem to indicate difficulty getting the pedastals off.
 
I agree with Keoke. After my TR3 rebuild, I was surprised to find so little oil under the valve cover, and was concerned. However, no harm at all. But as Alec said, do make sure there is some oil at each rocker.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif Mickey
 
Hello Derickson,

firstly remove the rocker assembly and check each rocker for play on the shaft, if there is anything more than perciptible movement then you will either need to re-bush the rockers or replace them. (usually high milage rocker tips are worn as well.)
The old oil that builds up on the rocker shaft is what can make it difficult to strip down these assemblies. You just need to start at one end and work at removing each part one by one, cleaning as best you can with a small wire brush or similar to remove some of the crud.
It helps if you lay each component that comes off in order so there is no confusion or errors at re-assembly.

Alec
 
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