Well CRAP Something in the valvetrain just let go. Haven't even had a chance to pull the valve covers yet!

Heard what sounded like a rock hitting the underside of the car, but now I realize it was something in the valvetrain. Sounded like it was popping back a little with slight gas applied (was only about 1 block from home) when i got it in the driveway, in neutal with a little gas, it was popping back a little and started a light tapping, so I immeditely shut it off and got it in the garage.

Will let U know! THIS SUCKS!!! I just got it running a few weeks ago!

 

#2 exhaust rocker arm--the whole bottom (where the pivot ball rests) of the rocker is broken out.
The #2 intake pushrod is gone--probably down in the lifter valley.

None of the parts look they got hot--no discoloring from heat.

Don't know the chain of events--no marks on either rocker arm.

BEST case scenario--pull the intake and replace the broken parts.

WORSE case--REMAINS TO BE SEEN!!!!!! Can't tell til I get the intake off and see what's hurt!

Well, unless Mrs. ZAP's 87 RS/V-6 breaks, looks like I might be at the monthly meet in her car--AT LEAST IT'S STILL A THIRDGEN!!!

 

ouch

sorry for your loss

I have something going on with my #2 cylinder also. Its where my miss is coming from, but I have no idea what exactly is wrong. At least its easy to get to.

 

Check into it before something breaks!

 

I guess we are going to hold off on tuning?

Hope everything's ok!

Let me know what parts you need, chances are that I have some spare stuff.

 

Just out of curiosity are your heads set up to handle that zz9 cam, because correct me if I am wrong but didnt you just have a valve train problem. I know that if your heads are set up with the right springs, studs, guides, etc. you could end up damaging parts in your valve train. Im sure it probably is set up right, I am just trying to give ideas as to how it happened to prevent future problems.

 

The problem a few months ago was that the rocker ball on #6 broke--apparently the pushrod had clogged up and was not pumping oil--it was discolored from heat and gauled to the rocker.

This time I'm not sure what actually happened yet--maybe will be able to tell more after I pull intake to see what's up. I had the heads done at Westside Machine--they build performance engines for some of the best drag and circle track in Hou. We discussedeverythin and they assured me they were good for what they were being used for. I don't think the problem is in the heads thenselves.

It could be just plain junk rocker arms that I went back with last time--those proform rockers are probably cheap Japanese/Chinese steel, which caused the bottom of the rocker to break out. It's also possible that the "self aligning" part of those RA's are not deep enough and the it just did not hold it in line and slipped off the valve stem, turned sideways, or intake pushrod then hung up on the exhaust RA. Also possible that the lifter collapsed in intake #2 and caused the same. If there is no damage that requires the head or engine to need work, I'm going with some "real" roller rockers.


Well, I know what I'm doing Saturday!

And Yes Mike, I don't think this Saturday would be a good day to do the chip. Will keep U informed.

 

i just had a proform rocker break the same way as u, i too figure there junk, only had 800 km on them too and never ran them hard at all, 4000 was the most and it was for a sec or u, it happened on the highway crusing at 2200 rpm`s,

 

That's pretty much what happened to me. If U do a search on here "Proform rollertip rocker arms"--U will find 6 or 8 or more that have had the EXACT SAME problem!

Oh Yeah--I ended up installing some REAL ones--Comp Cam Pro Mag steel 1.52 roller rockers! Working great so far!!!

 

Hi Guy's,

It looks like I'll be there but without the car. Have been battling with an idle problem for a while. Have changed and replaced everything but it still hasn't gone away.Replaced fuel filter,ignition leads,plugs,spark control,MAP,Ignition module,coil,rebuilt TBI with new injectors and gaskets,checked all vacuum lines etc. Have a miss thats been getting worse.

Now I've started my new job I don't have time to fix it and so going to put it in the shop tomorrow. Anyone recommend someone in the Clearlake/Webster area who won't rip me off?

I have one guy recommended to me on Preston in Pasadena.

Alex

 

When U say a miss--is it like a dead cylindar miss like a dead plug type of miss?

 

It feels like a cylinder more than a plug. I do have a noisy lifter as well. Have taken off each plug lead in turn to see if I can isolate it but didn't find anything.

Alex

 

Might be time for a compression test?

Are U still taking it into the shop today?

 

Went hunting around for a shop today, most were either booked or too expensive for their diagnostic. In the end went to my local Autozone and they recommended someone in League city, Normans Automotive who have been in business for 45 years.

Was too late today to drop it in, but saw them and going to drop it in monday. Have been told they are honest and do a good job.

Alex