M20 Rocker Issues

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ThomasEngine
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Apr 30, 2021 6:03 am

Post Thu May 06, 2021 12:22 pm

Hi everyone,

I have an M20B25 that is currently on the stand and I am working to replace all the seals / water pump etc. before it goes in the car. I am going to try and tackle the valve stem seals and was wondering if I should change the rockers as well.

I have read a number of stories of rockers breaking and I am not sure how prevalent it is. If a rocker breaks will it likely cause more damage to the engine?

I was looking at Irelands engineering’s heavy duty rocker arms as possible preventative maintenance. The car is going to be a drift / autocross car so it will likely see a fair bit of stress. showbox speed test
Last edited by ThomasEngine on Fri Jul 02, 2021 11:05 am, edited 2 times in total.
tha881
E30 Zone Regular
E30 Zone Regular
Posts: 780
Joined: Thu Apr 15, 2010 11:00 pm
Location: Kent

Post Thu May 06, 2021 3:38 pm

General consensus is that it usually depends on how worn the rockers and camshaft are. Take a look at a brand new rocker and compare the surface to yours. Its well worth having an oil cooler fitted to keep your oil temps in the correct range.

I had one break and it didnt cause any other damage. Luckily opened the cam cover and it was a clean break with the half sat nicely in view.

I fitted a new cam and rockers (febi brand £270ish) and more importantly refitted my oil cooler to ensure the oil does out thin out too much. I removed it for more thorough oil changes but in hindsight I wish I had left it on.
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