Missing rocker in head

[coolrider2112]

Found 1 rocker missing. I understand that the rocker is missing and that means that valve is not opening if I'm correct, does that mean that the valve is bent, or maybe the person I got the car from not to long did not put the rocker on? The still ran the only problem I had with the car is boost not really at high rpm for 1st and 2nd gear (thought it was a boost leak) But I just happen to open my valve cover and seen the rocker missing, and yes there is only 1 rocker missing, none of the other ones were loose, and there was not a rocker just laying around in the head, could that missing rocker be the problem of my boost, and couldnt I just easily put a rocker in that missing place? Thank you for any feedback.
(stock head)

 

[92AWDHX40]

Doesnt sound good do a compression test, that could be a big problem.

 

[coolrider2112]

Did compression test the other weak from what I remember the result were about 150 in each cylinder i believe, the car runs fine, just had the 1st and 2nd gear boost issue then after that it boost fine, so Im wondering if I just put in a rocker in that missing spot it would fix the problem. How hard would it be to put in a rocker?

 

[92AWDHX40]

Pull the cam off and put it in is how i would do it after i removed the timing belt. I wouldnt drive it with it missing.

 

[bryanwheat]

You most certainly DO NOT have to remove the cam. You can get the rocker in with a pry bar.

 

[danielbo91]

There no need to remove the cam lube, just simply put that rocker back in place and turn the engine by hand.

 

[92AWDHX40]

Ah i never knew that, ive seen too many apart i guess, but to have it loose, wonder how that happened? Im just cautious check the rest of them when you decide to put it back in.

 

[MotorHead265]

I would never use a pry bar to do any such thing. Turn the engine till the cam lobe isnt applying pressure and torque it down.

 

[rlacasse1]

This thread will explain how to put a new rocker on without pulling the cams. Just turn the engine over until the cam lobe is not facing the rocker, that way it will go on easier.

Visual Frequently Answered Questions - Home Page

The rocker being off isn't going to bend the valve. That valve is just remaining closed.

As for not building much boost in 1st and 2nd gear. You won't build much boost in 1st because there isn't a whole lot of load on the engine. So that is completely normal. 2nd you should build more. But it still may not be what you are hoping due to lack of load on the engine. Are you running stock boost pressure?

 

[Gamble97]

I would never use a pry bar to do any such thing. Turn the engine till the cam lobe isnt applying pressure and torque it down.

You still need a pry bar to push it in there. If it wasn't a tight fit all the rockers would fall out.

 

[rlacasse1]

^^^^^ Tru Dat!

 

[coolrider2112]

Right now I am boosting at 10PSI, and yah I understand about the first gear not getting a lot of boost but the 2nd gear kind of did the same thing, Im still looking for boost leaks, I have a little leak out of the blow off valve, I even put a new gasket there and still some bubbles show (when performing the soapy water trick), but you guys dont think that the one valve that is not opening is causing this at all? What exactly really happens when that valve is not opening when the car is running and driving?

 

[rlacasse1]

Is it an intake or an exhaust valve that is missing a rocker? And yes it will contribute to the problem a bit.

If it is an intake valve then that one cylinder isn't bringing in as much air/gas as it would if it were opening.

If it is an exhaust valve, then that cylinder is not ridding itself of exhaust as it should be.

Either way it will contribute to your issue. But once fixed it doesn't necessarily mean you will be boosting to high numbers in those gears.

 

[eclipsalon]

why not just put it in and get it over with. Its obviously not suppose to be out. The only reason the car still running is because the valve is always closed and the other valve right next to it is still opening and closing. If the rocker were to be stuck in there then the car wouldnt even stay on due to the compression leak.

 

[2g4me]

Prybar?? PLEASE!....I use a simple flat tip screwdriver to remove and install the rockers, takes a small bit if practice but VERY easy, just make sure the cam lobe is out of the way and push it in, they slide right in.

 

[bryanwheat]

Prybar?? PLEASE!....I use a simple flat tip screwdriver to remove and install the rockers, takes a small bit if practice but VERY easy, just make sure the cam lobe is out of the way and push it in, they slide right in.

There are many different sized pry bars.

 

[92AWDHX40]

Yes i would figure out why it came off to begin with, this one you may get back on but what about another down the road? Ive had a few dsms and pulled lots of heads but i never had a rocker arm come off, if it were me i would pull it and inspect the head, thats just me many will always have a opionon on what to do. Ive had plenty of heads rebuilt, not cheap when you only have a simple problem wrecking the works, that could have been inspected and resolved in the first place.

 

[2g4me]

Just put it in and run it, dont waste the time or money pullin the head off. IF it does pop back off it wont hurt anything having nowhere to really go. There too big to get caught in the valve springs or fall down into the oil pan, it would take some serious forceful and crazy driving to make it move around under the valve cover.