I posted the other day about my rocker arm stud breaking off. RB83L69 suggested my valve springs where inadequate due to the excessive wear on the rocker arm. After further investigation on my 800 mile engine I discovered a lot of the dampers in the springs where broken. I believe this caused a binding condition on the one that broke and caused the failure.

Any way I was wondering if anyone knows the purpose of the dampers? I was assuming maybe for stabilization or something but am not sure. I want to replace the springs but don't want to get ones with dampers again, has anyone else run into this issue?

 

Ok, I found my answer on the web. If anyone is interested this site has some really cool explanations on a lot of engine stuff if you have not seen it already.

http://www.grapeaperacing.com/GrapeApeRacing/tech/