Rocker wear pattern.

[350xorbust]

So I have the 350x motor all split apart, and Im checking the wear pattern on my rockers, and I notice the one rocker looks good...relatively flat no scars...looks good. But the other one is concave...Bad right...Im ready to buy new rockers, then I see a set on ebay, and the same one as mine is worn in the same way...concaved. Is this normal? Havnt seen any new ones to compare to, but is one flat and one concaved slightly???

[dougspcs]

One rocker?? Which one??

And since the 350x has valves in pairs is the second rocker of that pair the same..what I mean are both intake and exhaust rockers matching in condition and appearance?

Or is it just a single rocker?? How's the cam look?

A certain amount of wear is ok on the rockers but there is tolerance limit but this illustrates the importance of regular valve adjustment with your maintenance!

I'll leave the whole proper oil use with zinc additive for Barnett to chirp in about..that whole thing gives me a headache

Post up some pics maybe for us to look at..

[DohcBikes]

There is one intake rocker and one exhaust rocker. Each rocker operates 2 valves. "Forked" rockers tend to wear out quicker because they are experiencing the leverage of two sets of valve springs on one surface.

Any significant wear on the hardened face will only get worse over time, regardless of ZDDP levels in your oil....:lol:....and may eventually destroy your new cam.

I do not know about new parts availability, but if I were doing a full rebuild I wouldn't mess around using a worn rocker.

[barnett468]

So I have the 350x motor all split apart, and Im checking the wear pattern on my rockers, and I notice the one rocker looks good...relatively flat no scars...looks good. But the other one is concave...Bad right...Im ready to buy new rockers, then I see a set on ebay, and the same one as mine is worn in the same way...concaved. Is this normal? Havnt seen any new ones to compare to, but is one flat and one concaved slightly???Hello 350xorbust;

New rockers do not have a flat or low [concave] spot unless they are made improperly.

When buying new rockers I suggest you buy name brands like orig Honda, Shindy or Vesrah if they are available and not to buy “Asian” ones.

If your rocker is worn your cam is too.

As my friend Dougspcs mentioned, there are acceptable amounts of wear [service limits]before they need/should be replaced.

Installing a new rocker on a worn cam will cause premature rocker wear. It won’t wear out in a week unless the cam is sufficiently damaged, however, it might reduce its life expectancy by up to 60% or more. Each case is different. Since most people don’t put many miles on their recreational vehicles, it still might take a "long" time for it to wear beyond its service limits.

If your cam lobe has grooves that you can feel, I would consider replacing it, especially if they are “deep”.





A certain amount of wear is ok on the rockers but there is tolerance limit but this illustrates the importance of regular valve adjustment with your maintenance! I'll leave the whole proper oil use with zinc additive for Barnett to chirp in about..that whole thing gives me a headacheI actually had no intention of mentioning oil/ZDDP, however, since my friend Dougspcs brought up the subject, and it is related to your problem, I’ll post just a little info regarding it.

In addition to the importance of regular valve adjustment checks, the wear also illustrates the importance of regular oil changes and the use of high quality oils. ZDDP is one of the best, if not the best anti wear agent known when it comes to protecting an engines moving parts. Levels of between approximately 1100 ppm and 1400 ppm have been determined to be optimal. Most oils that contain “high” levels of ZDDP like those mentioned, typically say so on the bottle, and also typically state what the level is.

All Valvoline Motorcycle and ATV oils are designed for use in motorcycles with wet clutches, have high levels of ZDDP, and are typically available at many automotive parts supply stores.

From Valvoline.

• Protect Wet Clutch - Optimal frictional characteristics for maximum power transfer, smooth shifting and proper protection of the wet clutch.

• Minimize Wear - Increased anti-wear agents (zinc and phosphorous) help minimize wear from metal-to-metal contact.



The test in the link below is a test of various oils anti wear capabilities. It is not the only test that is done on oils but it is extremely telling of the vast differences in anti wear properties between some. All the oils in the test are either semi [blend] or full synthetic.

http://www.animegame.com/cars/Oil%20Tests.pdf


Quote from test regarding MOBIL 1.

“It was outperformed by oils half the price and even by its semi-synthetic stablemate.”

[oscarmayer]

^
Sigh.....

ok, i highly recommend you replace the rockers and cam. another option is to have your rockers "hard welded" by WEB and they can send them back to you. Costs close to the same as a new set of rockers from Honda but stronger pads. If your going to do that, may as well get a stage1 or 2 web cam with springs while your at it. Heck a little more oumph never hurt anyone. ;)

[dougspcs]

There is one intake rocker and one exhaust rocker. Each rocker operates 2 valves. "Forked" rockers tend to wear out quicker because they are experiencing the leverage of two sets of valve springs on one surface..

I have owned several 350x and did not know that..

Learned a little something today!!

[DohcBikes]

I can't speak for the brand new models, but I know at least up to 2011 Honda was still using forked rockers on the crf250f to run the 4 valve head, they eventually named it Unicam.

Another note on "forked" rockers, they should be checked for valve clearance with a feeler gauge under both sides, so as not to get an inaccurate reading from any twisting that might occur.

[350xorbust]

Well Im no stranger to ZDDP levels in oil, as my 572BBC in my 69 Camaro, has a hydrolic flat tappet cam and requires a level of 1500 ppm. Try and find that in any oil up in Northern Canada...I have to get it shipped in from Summit racing in the States, so I guess getting it shipped in for my trike is no different...Just expensive. I will however check my local Canadian Tire and Napa for the street-bike oil...who knows I may luck out. As far as the rockers and cam are concerned, can anyone tell me where I might find some up here in Canada? If not, how bout down in the States?
Thanx guys.

[barnett468]

572, yeah get it, lol. You know all about flat cams then.

Do you want a stock cam?

you can order high per ones from web cam etc.

http://www.webcamshafts.com/


some nos oem parts from

http://www.cmsnl.com

[barnett468]

here's one option, 350x high perf cams, rockers, springs and retainers etc.

http://www.webcamshafts.com/index_blank.html?pages/vehicle_search.html

[fabiodriven]

There's some damn good info in this thread.