Y block Rocker Shaft hold down ?

We took the valve covers off of the 292 today to adjust the valve lash and found that one of these hold down thingies has a crack in it. Does anyone know how much "stress" this thing has to take and how much of a big deal this is to run like that? We took the bolts out that hold it in and it doesn't seem like it is under any kind of serious load.

 

A close up of the crack.

 

You need one of them?? I think I might have one or two extra, gettin' in my way...let me know....

 

These go a particular way up - Is it possible this particular one was fitted upside down and that caused the stress when it was tightened down 'cos it was a slightly diffent height to the rest ?

 

Japchris, this one doesn't look any different than any of the others, except for the cracks. I've never taken one out, but I can't see how you could put it in upside-down. This one just looks shiny because we cleaned it off to see if it was steel and could be tacked back toghther. The magnet wouldn't stick to it, so I'm assuming it isn't.

I am just wondering if this is something that NEEDS attention as soon as possible, or if this is something that I can leave alone. It is a single piece that wraps around the shaft.

 

just an assumption, but any piece that is cracked inside a motor should be replaced asap.

or consider it a bit of preventative maintenance.. what if the piece fails completely and the resulting metal chunks get into the oil?

 

It cant fall off....
But it might be making some stress for the rockershaft bearings. Drive it untill you find a new one,get a beer,a hot garage,some loud music,and change it then.

 

Zodof is right, don't stress about it know wait till ya find one then replace it.
-Jesse

 

They are not too hard to change out. just a pain as you need to remove the whole assembly, then remove the little pins so you can slide the appropriate block off. Note, please be carefull that you do not let the push rods fall down into the abyss of the block. They do like to do this.... If you do not mess with the adjustment nuts, you can probably just drop the assembly back on after repairs using the block studs for line up.

Of course you probably already know this.... Looks like your getting good oiling up there. I had to put an oiling kit on mine to keep it moist up in that area..

 

Cool, that is exactly what I wanted to hear.