Results 1 to 4 of 4

Thread: Stamped-Steel Rocker Arms - Brass Buttons

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2000
    Location
    Montana
    Posts
    11,482

    Lightbulb Stamped-Steel Rocker Arms - Brass Buttons

    The plastic rocker arm buttons used with the 6.5 rocker arm assemblies came up recently here in our forum, which reminded me of a photo that member MJ McCarroll sent to me some years ago. I think it's worth having a look.



    As I recall, MJ used a specially hardened tap to thread the holes that were formerly used by the plastic buttons, then added bolts and brass washers in place of the plastic parts. I'd recommend using Loc-Tite 272 on the threads of the bolts.

    My experience with the factory plastic buttons has been a good one. I've not had a problem, though I do replace them whenever I do cylinder head work.

    Through the years, I've heard from a couple of other 6.5 owners who had varying degrees of problems with plastic button breakage. In one case, the buttons kept breaking even after replacing them... I suspect the root cause was a problem with the valve train that was causing the breakage (i.e. bent rocker, bent pushrod, bent valve stem or something other).

    I liked MJ's idea, so I thought I'd show you all what he did. Thanks MJ!
    Last edited by More Power; 11-10-2024 at 15:10. Reason: Make it the best!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Location
    U.S.A. AZ
    Posts
    3

    Default

    Im haven the same issue wih the buttons. new heads using the old valves and rockers. have had it break 3 differant buttons in less then 500 miles on new heads. I am going to tap and rplace with bolts and brass washers I was just hope that any one Or MJ Mcarrolcould tell me wharethey foundrhe rass washers atso donthave to waist timend mile looking. Thanks

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2000
    Location
    Montana
    Posts
    11,482

    Default

    I suspect MJ produced his own brass washers for his project using brass round stock and a lathe.

    There must be an underlying cause of the button breakage in your situation. Something is bent, broken or out of alignment... or there is a piston clearance issue. something... something is out of the ordinary. Jim

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2000
    Location
    Montana
    Posts
    11,482

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by zippy555 View Post
    I'm haven't the same issue with the buttons. New heads using the old valves and rockers. Have had it break 3 different buttons in less then 500 miles on new heads. I am going to tap and replace with bolts and brass washers I was just hope that any one Or MJ Mcarrol could tell me where they found the brass washers at so don't have to waste time looking. Thanks
    You should be able to locate brass washers at a hardware store... like ACE. You may need to stack a couple to get the thickness you want, or you may need to chuck them in a drill/drill-press to file/sand the outer edges of the brass washers to match the diameter of the plastic buttons. The rocker shafts are pretty hard, so buy a quality tap, use cutting fluid and go slow. Some have suggested that instead of drilling/tapping the rocker shafts (to replace the plastic buttons) that we simply use the brass washers with bolts - along with good lock-nuts inside the rocker shafts. I suppose that would work too! I'm not opposed to this idea at all, assuming properly fitting & quality fasteners.

    By the way, as of mid-November 2024 my daughter has driven her recently rebuilt 6.5TD about 5K miles following a full rebuild that included new plastic rocker arm locating buttons. So far, no problems...
    Last edited by More Power; 11-10-2024 at 15:16. Reason: Make it super informative!

Similar Threads

  1. Lower control arms...welded or stamped/forged?
    By Lightyear in forum 1982-2000 C/K Truck & SUV Chassis & Drivetrain
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 05-08-2019, 18:04
  2. Rocker arm retainer buttons
    By gsimpson in forum 6.5L Turbo Diesel - Tech Support - Troubleshooting - Performance
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 11-17-2017, 10:19
  3. Pesky little Rocker buttons
    By jerry598 in forum 6.5L Turbo Diesel - Tech Support - Troubleshooting - Performance
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 10-10-2009, 21:26
  4. rocker arm guide buttons
    By Truckie117 in forum 6.5L Turbo Diesel - Tech Support - Troubleshooting - Performance
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 09-01-2006, 08:01
  5. Rocker arms
    By c130 in forum 6.5L Turbo Diesel - Tech Support - Troubleshooting - Performance
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 10-27-2005, 12:02

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •