After running my new 385 on stand, for a bit, ( AFR's, hyd. roller, Scorpian rockers)) ... I have 4 rockers that show non-even wear patterns, to one side or the other, on the rollers. One contacts only the outer edge of the stem. The other 12 rollers, are showing a great "even across stem" full contact. During the build, I ended up cutting and welding the AFR guideplates, ...to obtain correct "roller/stem alignment," which still look good. Pushrod measurement taken, and correct length p r's were installed.

This is my first experience with a performance build, and I'd like everything perfect. Is this condition a problem or will the roller(s) end up developing a full contact pattern, as the parts "wear in" ... with more time on this engine?

If this isn't typical, the only cause I can imagine is .... guideplates being slightly warped, due to welding, and not sitting perfectly flat on head. This might cause the rocker stud to slightly "lean" to one side, causing a non perfect horizontal contact between stem and roller. Although, it seems 65 ft lbs on rocker studs should pull any warpage down flat. Just a thought.

I'm hoping this is typical and nothing to be overly concerned about, but I have no experience in this area, for reference. Appreciate all suggestions and ideas

Revision: Pulled a few rockers off. GARBAGE! Looks like I missed it on length. According to stems, need less length. Although, that should not cause uneven stem/roller contact,.. just uncentered on stem towards exhaust.

Brian,

The uneven wear is not normal (from one side to the other...unless it is very slight). For this to occur, either the head of the valve is not perpendicular to the centerline of the valve or the rocker stud and the valve are not in the same plane. For the rocker to only be touching one side of the valve.....not good.

Even if the guideplate is warped that should not effect the rocker stud straightness/relationship to the valve very much at all. The rocker stud just won't thread all the way down.

The other thing that could cause it is if there is a lot of slop in those few rockers and the guideplate/pushrod are loading them in one direction or the other.

Give me a call tomorrow afternoon and I can come by and look at it. I've got some Comp Pro Magnum rockers and some Crower stainless rockers if you want to try those.