Just picked up a 58 Buick w/364 this week and have been making some repairs. Discovered tonight that I have a broken rocker arm (cylinder 7). Couple questions... Is there much involved in replacing a single arm? I ran out of daylight before I was able to determine. Looks like it would be a snap to swap the entire rocker shaft as second option. Anyone have these part(s) for sale? Thanks Alex
R & R is a pretty straightforward deal. Some things to look for and be careful of: Check the inserts on the valve side of the rocker. They can wear, crack or break completely off. You may miss this if you do not do a good inspection. When you re***emble, make sure that the oil holes in the shaft under each rocker face toward the head. Some of the rockers are different, but look very similar. If you dis***emble the entire shaft, take pictures or notes or do not dis***emble both sides at the same time. You can buy rockers,(one or a set) from KANTER for sure. (Check the 'net). If you have a spare ***embly you can replace as a unit or dis***emble and use the one rocker. The 53-56 engines have cast rockers, all the rest are aluminum and interchange. All this stuff is available rebuilt or used. Check BUICKS.NET. Lots of nailhead info there.
Find out WHY that rocker broke first. If this car has spent considerable time at any point sitting around for years here's a couple nailhead quirks. Carefully check to see that the valve that arm operates opens smoothly and fully by hand and snaps back as it should with the spring pressure. Turn it to see if the valve stem is straight and true. Nailheads are notorious for valves seizing in the head whaen they go dry in the guide area from sitting too long (years...). Also look to see if the rocker arm itself seized on the shaft from lack of oil for the same reason. The shaft will show signs of being torn up til the rocker gave up. Good luck... Steve weim55 Colorado
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