I was looking @ my Crane 1.5:1 Gold series SA 3/8 RRockers It appears there is excessive bearing clearance on some of them. I've read on other posts of bearing spillage failues inside the motor.

These AFR 190 heads do not allow stock valve action geometry. There is a side (moment) force component on these rockers, and, the stud is also force loaded front to back. I'm runing a CM cam (231/240 - .538/.558" 114lsa) which must have a very aggressive opening rate. I noticed this when I ran a non-harded washer under the studs (Bad decision to skimp on quality parts - please don't do this!). The stud hex plastically deformed the washer in front to rear direction (one side), and, side loaded the roller @ the valve tappet (hertzian stress failure on the surface). So, I replaced this an AFR ground head bolt washer and lock-tite. This worked, but now it has appeared that the Crane RR bearing has received much of the cyclic force, and, is gaining clearance.

I was worried about a failure, so, decided to go with a Comp promag steel and 7/16 rolled studs. The Comps have a larger dia bearing, and, a wider bearing design than the "narrow" body Alum Crane SA gold-RR. (total $357 from Summit)

I can say that these AFR heads are a quality piece, but, I did not understand how critical the valve train force/ action is. I can visably see the rockers angled due to wider valve centers, and, this is the result of an additional force/moment on the rocker/ stud set-up. I've failed to find the AFR guide plates #6105, and, who knows if they will work???

So, this is where I am at. Cutting the guides and TIG welding them to set geometry. Sorry for the long rant. Please, suggestions are welcome. (97SS - 383 - D1)

 

I just got the isky adjustable guide plates....they are like $50 200-agp

 

Thankyou for the tip. Ordered a set.

 

Got mine today....slick pc. solved my issue

 

I see that these plates can be welded after adjustment. Are you planning to do this??? Also, do you use red lock-tite on your rocker studs???

 

I will probly just tq em down.....I don't like using lock-tite on a steel to aluminum conection. I won't weld em either only b/c I may need to move them around later.

I don't know the specs but I tq my rocker studs to 50ft. lb.