Rocker Shaft removal questions

[griswald]

Hello all, I have a new rocker shaft and new rocker arm bushings for my 1971 2a SWB. I am wondering if I need to drain the coolant before I remove the 5 rocker tower HEAD BOLTS to take the assembly off the head?

Is there a protocol for this? I have looked in the Green Bible and also online and I am not clear as to the procedure...apologies if it is a goofy question...Thanks for your help!

Final question, if I do drain the coolant off do I need to replace the head gasket?

Thanks for any advice!

Griswald

[parrie]

No, coolant should not have to be drained to remove the rocker shaft bolt nor do you need to replace head gasket if you do happen to drain coolant. Good luck

[griswald]

Thank you so much! This makes life easier. I was worried I would need to drain coolant or untighten head bolts in a sequence or something British like that!


Best,
Griswald

[Les Parker]

It begs the question, why are you replacing the rocker shaft and bushings?

[griswald]

I have a tick and sometimes a metallic squeak around valve 7. I removed all and have found the rocker shaft a bit worn and scratched underneath. I will post a picture soon...

[Contractor]

I have a tick and sometimes a metallic squeak around valve 7. I removed all and have found the rocker shaft a bit worn and scratched underneath. I will post a picture soon...

Maybe that's it, but I would bet you have worn rollers.

[griswald]

That is an interesting hypothesis...

If it is a worn roller, will I need to worry about the camshaft also? Should I replace ALL of the tappet assemblies?

Thanks for all the help!

[Les Parker]

Engineering practice would suggest it would be prudent to change all whilst you are there.

[griswald]

Thank you Les, to clarify, you mean change all tappet roller assemblies, and also the camshaft, correct?

[kb1iaw]

Thank you Les, to clarify, you mean change all tappet roller assemblies, and also the camshaft, correct?

I had a trusted mechanic inspect the parts after I got some bad rollers that failed shortly after the engine rebuild. The cam and tappets were damaged too. The tappet guides were still in good condition so I reused those.