I see - and get - lots of questions about Rocker Arm Shaft Oiling. So here are some pictures and hints.
ADDED BACKGROUND INFO
If you have a ‘60 or ‘61 rocker arm shaft assembly on your engine, READ THIS!
It clearly points out that the rocker shaft has had oiling problems since day one.
While digging through old HOT ROD magazines, I came across an article on “Oil Control†in the January 1963 issue of HOT ROD. In it, they talk about the oiling situation existing in Comet/Falcon rocker shaft setups.
It says: “Remove the rear rocker stand bolt and grind off the top three threads (not the end three) near the bolt’s shank. It seems the threaded portion of the bolt is too long, and extends up into the interior of the rocker stand, which has an oversized hole to permit the oil to flow to the rocker shaft. The threads extending up into this area restrict it and slow the oil flow. This condition was corrected in 1962 by use of a new rocker stand with a square bolt hole, which gives adequate oil clearance around the bolt. This new rocker stand is part number C1DE-6531-A and maybe installed in the ’60 and ’61 Comet or Falcon engine.â€
This would help get the oil that is already in the head into the rocker shaft, BUT… IMHO the new rocker stand was not a sufficient fix. Later, FoMoCo added head bolts with a reduced shank to get more oil from the block to the head. Besides using the reduced shank head bolt, I’ve also drilled the rearmost rocker stand out a little – even though it was already a “square hole†stanchion.
If you have the head off, look at Simon’s excellent pictures.
I soaked my disassembled rockers and shaft in parts cleaner for two days. The oiling holes were still clogged. So I soaked them in carb cleaner for three days. STILL CLOGGED!
So I took a drill bit to them. Now having done a half dozen rock shaft assemblies, I don't even bother with the soaks - I just use a drill bit with my fingers. DON'T use an electric drill!
Here are three pictures out of The Ford Falcon SIX Cylinder Performance Handbook.
The first is showing the oil path out of the block and into the head. You may also have to pull the number 11 head bolt and clean that hole down to the oil passage.
Next Is showing the oil passage in the head. IF you have the head off, clean this thoroughly.
Now comes a rocker arm and cleaning its passages. These are non-adjustable rockers. On an adjustable rocker, you'll need to back out the adjusting bolt most of the way so you can get to its lubricating hole.
You could also use a late model (70's) bolt in an early (60's) engine. They allow more oil through the head's passageway. Here's a picture of the difference.
There's more stuff in the Handbook, but I hope this helps many. The next time you take your valve cover off, start the engine, and check your oil flow. You may find that this afternoon cleaning project is just what you need to do.
Good Luck
ADDED BACKGROUND INFO
If you have a ‘60 or ‘61 rocker arm shaft assembly on your engine, READ THIS!
It clearly points out that the rocker shaft has had oiling problems since day one.
While digging through old HOT ROD magazines, I came across an article on “Oil Control†in the January 1963 issue of HOT ROD. In it, they talk about the oiling situation existing in Comet/Falcon rocker shaft setups.
It says: “Remove the rear rocker stand bolt and grind off the top three threads (not the end three) near the bolt’s shank. It seems the threaded portion of the bolt is too long, and extends up into the interior of the rocker stand, which has an oversized hole to permit the oil to flow to the rocker shaft. The threads extending up into this area restrict it and slow the oil flow. This condition was corrected in 1962 by use of a new rocker stand with a square bolt hole, which gives adequate oil clearance around the bolt. This new rocker stand is part number C1DE-6531-A and maybe installed in the ’60 and ’61 Comet or Falcon engine.â€
This would help get the oil that is already in the head into the rocker shaft, BUT… IMHO the new rocker stand was not a sufficient fix. Later, FoMoCo added head bolts with a reduced shank to get more oil from the block to the head. Besides using the reduced shank head bolt, I’ve also drilled the rearmost rocker stand out a little – even though it was already a “square hole†stanchion.
If you have the head off, look at Simon’s excellent pictures.
I soaked my disassembled rockers and shaft in parts cleaner for two days. The oiling holes were still clogged. So I soaked them in carb cleaner for three days. STILL CLOGGED!
So I took a drill bit to them. Now having done a half dozen rock shaft assemblies, I don't even bother with the soaks - I just use a drill bit with my fingers. DON'T use an electric drill!
Here are three pictures out of The Ford Falcon SIX Cylinder Performance Handbook.
The first is showing the oil path out of the block and into the head. You may also have to pull the number 11 head bolt and clean that hole down to the oil passage.
Next Is showing the oil passage in the head. IF you have the head off, clean this thoroughly.
Now comes a rocker arm and cleaning its passages. These are non-adjustable rockers. On an adjustable rocker, you'll need to back out the adjusting bolt most of the way so you can get to its lubricating hole.
You could also use a late model (70's) bolt in an early (60's) engine. They allow more oil through the head's passageway. Here's a picture of the difference.
There's more stuff in the Handbook, but I hope this helps many. The next time you take your valve cover off, start the engine, and check your oil flow. You may find that this afternoon cleaning project is just what you need to do.
Good Luck
