SM cylinder head/ oil question

Keith LeMire · Nov 29, 2010

Just re-built my SM and was going to set the valve clearance and noticed one end of the rocker shaft looked a little dry. When I started it up with the cover off it was shooting oil out the split in one of the rocker supports. There were drips coming from the rocker shaft in other areas, but the top of some of the valves looked pretty dry. My question is where should I be seeing oil flowing from to be sure everything is getting proper lubrication? Also, is oil supposed to come from the tube that goes over the top, or is the tube just there to move the oil to the other side. Thanks.

Keith

Theman · Nov 29, 2010

Oil should be coming from the top center of the rockers where the two halves meet. Also, some will drip from the rocker bushings. If you aren't seeing oil along several of the rockers, the tube is probably full of sludge or the center cam bearing has spun in the block. The ends of the rocker tube are expansion plugs. They can be removed so you can clean out the tube and make sure all the oil holes are open. Remove it from the head before cleaning and remember which way the rocker arms go. It is very important.

The small horizontal tube is part of the crankcase ventilation system and isn't under pressure.

SM cylinder head/ oil question

Keith LeMire

New User

Theman

Member

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