Reuse or replace rocker arms?

[NETX_S4]

I'm about midway through rebuilding a 2.9 from an 88 B2 that seized from rust in the cylinders after being parked for about 8 years.

There is some surface rust on some of the rocker arms. Can I clean up the rust, make sure all the contact points are clean and smooth, and reuse them, or do they have to be replaced?

Also is a special tool needed to pull pull apart the rocker arm assembly? It looks like there is just a pin and clip on the end, and springs between the rockers, but I'm not sure how much tension it's under. I didn't want it to all come flying apart when I pulled the pin.

Thank you!

 

[XTC90BII]

There is a special tool to take those apart. I would recommend you find one to be safe.

Dennis

 

[NETX_S4]

There is a special tool to take those apart. I would recommend you find one to be safe.

Dennis

Anyone know where I can find this tool?

 

[XTC90BII]

NETX-54

Rocker Arm Remover Installer & Valve Spring Compressor Tool for Chrysler 3.7 4.7 727542422458 | eBay.

This is the type of tool you need. This is not the exact one but you get the idea. Go on e-bay and search for what you need.

Dennis

 

[Uncle Gump]

That's an on vehicle valve spring compressor. It has nothing to do with rocker shaft disassembly.

I don't believe the shaft springs are under high spring tension. Or any special tools required. Just take your time and hold the shaft springs while taking them apart.

 

[XTC90BII]

Uncle Gump

You are right got my springs confused. Thanks for catching that.

Dennis

 

[Uncle Gump]

You can certainly clean up rust on the rockers/shafts. Any pitting on the rocker arm bore or portions of the shaft where rocker rides will not be good and candidates for replacement.

Inspect all the contact points for wear also... and clean all oil passages throughly. All this will help with a noise free valvetrain.

 

[NETX_S4]

Thank you all for your responses. I'll clean them up and hope for the best!