How to remove and replace rocker arm shaft buttons?

[Rafs-T-Type]

I broke the first two trying to get them in. Whats methods do you guys use?

 

[gteatr6]

I just tapped them in with a hammer. It was a long time ago though.

 

[Nick Micale]

Use a little lube on them, and then using a hammer and punch, socket extension or what ever handy to just fit the head of the button, "firmly" set it in place.

 

[Boost231]

^ i agree with nick, i used some lube and used a socket that fit over the button. few solid hit from the hammer and done

 

[TurboDave]

Nick's right. I just installed a whole new set on a pair of rocker arms. I used a 3/8" drive deep socket of a size to spread the load over the head of the plasitic button. Then just a couple smacks on it drove the bottons in effortlessly.

 

[turbofrank]

tap lightly:smile:

 

[stickybones]

I kept breaking those buttons too when I did my rebuild last year. So this is what I did instead. 5/16-18x1/2 low head cap screw and some nylon tube stock (5/8 OD - 1/4 ID). Tapped the shaft holes (I have the thick wall shafts), bored out the ID of the nylon tube stock, cut wafers to the ~size of the stock buttons, and assembled with thread locker. No problems to date.

 

[Rafs-T-Type]

tap lightly:smile:

You could tap lightly for 5 years straight with these and you'd be no where. Solid slaps with a hammer and a round piece of brass that fit the button well got no where. The shafts I have are the thick walled ones. I originally used a socket extension and a hammer and broke the buttons. Today I tried lubing it up nicely, using the brass and hammer and ended up with more broken buttons. Maybe I'm just simple or something, but these things were not going in. So then I took it to a mechanic i trust and he tried what I tried first, using pliers. Another fail. Then I called the manufacturer and they said install the rocker arms first, then put the buttons in. After installing I got the first two in then the 3rd snapped . I then had to take the shaft back out so I could get what was left of the button out of the shaft as well as any broken button residue, as I did with the first 4 I already busted. Also it hit me that it would be insanely hard to maneuver for the last couple button's installation. Then came the good times . Screwed the damn shaft down to the work bench(carefully setting the drill gun as to not over torque the shaft and bend/damage it), with the holes aligned perpendicular to the table. Then got the mini sledge out and they went in beautifully....So I thought. I had one of the caps bust on the first start up, but I am well on the way now. Just gotta wait til tomorrow when I get more buttons since I have a total of 7 broken ones now....make that 6 broken and one lost. Screwing thing to the table is the way to go though!

SHORT STORY: Some of those buttons and/or rocker shafts can be a major PITA and of they are just nicely screw the shaft to a work bench, then install them using lube, something hard to hit the button with, and a mini sledge

 

[Rafs-T-Type]

I kept breaking those buttons too when I did my rebuild last year. So this is what I did instead. 5/16-18x1/2 low head cap screw and some nylon tube stock (5/8 OD - 1/4 ID). Tapped the shaft holes (I have the thick wall shafts), bored out the ID of the nylon tube stock, cut wafers to the ~size of the stock buttons, and assembled with thread locker. No problems to date.

My lord that is some nice work there. MacGyver ain't got chit on you One thing I didn't quite get is why you had to bore out the ID of the nylon. Seems like you would use the 5/16" screw with the 1/4" hole and have a nice fit. Of course I guess that could cause some shavings that may work their way out latter.

 

[stickybones]

The 1/4" ID was just too tight for the 5/16" cap screw. Besides there is no real good way to hold the nylon to drive the cap screw thru it without boogering it up.

 

[charlief1]

I kept breaking those buttons too when I did my rebuild last year. So this is what I did instead. 5/16-18x1/2 low head cap screw and some nylon tube stock (5/8 OD - 1/4 ID). Tapped the shaft holes (I have the thick wall shafts), bored out the ID of the nylon tube stock, cut wafers to the ~size of the stock buttons, and assembled with thread locker. No problems to date.

Put the info in the fabrication section. This is a great idea and should be there for everyone.:biggrin:

 

[sd-slider]

put the info in the fabrication section. This is a great idea and should be there for everyone.:biggrin:

x2

 

[stickybones]

Put the info in the fabrication section. This is a great idea and should be there for everyone.:biggrin:

x2

Done http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/fabrication-no-solicitation/330636-alternative-rocker-shaft-buttons-stock-style-setup.html#post2608551

 

[TurboTnZ06]

I dropped the buttons in hot water for a while. They pop in easier and won't break when heated. Some use a torch, but you can melt them.

 

[Rafs-T-Type]

I dropped the buttons in hot water for a while. They pop in easier and won't break when heated. Some use a torch, but you can melt them.

Good tip....Thanks!