Need advice on rocker arms!

[willem445]

Hi all, latest project was replacing valve covers and oil pan to hopefully stop the leaks. In the process of cleaning up head for the new valve cover, I noticed 2 chunks of metal sitting in the head. Pulled them out and narrowed it down to one of the rocker arms breaking. I pulled the oil pan first and did not find any chunks or even metal shavings in oil.

Couple pictures:







I'm not very knowledgable yet when it comes to repairing engine internals. From what I've read, it's good to just replace all the rocker arms and pushrods while the covers are off.

Any recommendations for rocker arms? Just go with stock or upgrade? I found these on Summit.
What about pushrods?
Any advice for replacing the arms and pushrods? This will be my first time.

[willem445]

Also what about rocker arm ratio? My Dad said this 350 had a cam put in it but no clue what cam. Is there a way I can measure what ratio the existing rockers are?

[Dead Parrot]

Others may disagree, but for a stock or mostly stock motor, just replace the bad rocker and push rod.

Make sure the valve isn't stuck. I had a valve stick open and the push rod bent. Could be you have one stuck and the rocker is what gave. My motor was stock and I had a spare stock head off of a motor for a project that didn't happen, so fixed it by just swapping the one head.

If you are worried about metal bits, cut open the old oil filter and check with a magnet.

[72malibu]

Consider asking over on Team Chevelle site. There are very many engine experts over there, including the moderator of the engine section. (I'm not saying there aren't experts here -- I just don't have that familiarity with this site as I do Team Chevelle). One of those guys built the 350 in my profile pic.

[kwmech]

I'd replace just the one--push rod, arm and pivot and readjust and run it. See what happens before you waste a bunch of money.

[MySons68C20]

Originally Posted by kwmech

I'd replace just the one--push rod, arm and pivot and readjust and run it. See what happens before you waste a bunch of money.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^best advice here

[truckin 79]

I am no expert but I have messed with a few small block chebbies. You could just replace rocker but I would definitely rotate engine a few times at crank bolt with a ratchet. I would watch and make sure the rockers are not hitting the front of the rocker stud. I have never seen one just crack in front of rocker like that. I have seen them split in half before from over tightening. Check the push rod for any marring or other damage. Roll it on a flat surface to make sure it is not bent and you could probably still use it