144 rocker arm oiling modification

[secondchancebird]

Hey all,

I've been reading all the stickies on rocker arm oiling hints and they are extremely helpful. I pulled my rocker assembly on my 144 and yes, it was somewhat clogged with gunk. The ends of my rocker arms are grooved where they're hitting the valve. The falcon manual says not to grind the tappet surfaces, but replace them. Can I successfully grind these surfaces flush again without doing any damage to the engine? I can't see throwing away otherwise good rocker arms for a tiny amount of grooving.

Also, to help the oil get down to the valve/tappet location, has anyone ever successfully drilled another oiling hole in the area below the tappet arm? I was thinking that another hole drilled there, not more than the diameter of the adjuster's oiling hole, might help the oil get down to the valve/tappet and cushion my ticking valves more. Suggestions, anyone? Or am I stupid for even thinking this? I covet your thoughts. Much wisdom on this site.

Thanks in advance,

Erik

 

[wallaka]

It's not a good idea to grind the arms, they are hardened far as I know, and grinding them removes the hardening. That layer is gone anyhow, so I dunno. It would definitely change the rocker arm geometry.

I think I would maybe do a little radiusing of the existing hole if anything. I don't know how much benefit another hole would be, but radiusing is always a good idea.