Urban, Ford actually used something similar to the lash caps on some of the 302 truck engines. I don't see (maybe I missed it) where you say if they are roller rockers. I would assume they would be, but you know how that is. If so I would guess the groove is running in line with the length of the engine rather than in line with the rocker motion. Valve stem tips should be very hard, many are nitrided for wear resistance. If you have someone who has access to a hardness tester maybe you could have them checked. FWIW, I work in a laboratory where we do that type of work and failure analysis. Good luck with it and I hope the cam is OK, I never really liked Comp cams in Ford engines, they seem to use soft billets like Chevy did.

 

The rockers are Comp Roller Aluminum rockers. Yes, the grove runs in line with the legth of the engine. The rocker roller tip on the valve that grooved the worst actally started turning colors due to the heat build up. Funny that it was the last rocker we pulled off that we noticed the issue. Once we saw that, I went back and felt all the others and found a few more. I have ordered three new valves, lash caps, and a new rocker to replace the exhaust #8 that got it the worst. Since I am looking at almost a complete long block redo, we are pulling the motor and inspecting everthing else. My engine builder said this is exactly why he does not run valves more than two seasons in his drag cars. Hopefully the lash caps will solve the issue.

Dang, I am still chapped. Thanks for all the kind words and check you stuff out if you hear of feel something goofy. That is what saved me a ton of money. I was so close to saying screw it lets button it up and drive. Glad we did not. I will take a new rocker and a few new valves over a new rotating assembly and heads any day!

 

The roller turning colors sounds like it wasn't turning freely. Usually the "blue" color comes from a lot of heat caused by "scuffing". I used to see this a lot on the BBC engines a few of my customers ran, the stock exhaust rockers would turn blue at the ends and ball seat area. They used to run it till they started to blue, switch the intake rockers to exhaust and put new ons on the intakes. The "broken in" rockers would last quite a while on the exhaust valves. Good luck and let me know if I can help any on this end.

 

damn, I am also having valve trouble with my rpm heads that makes the exhuast pop at certain rpms. I hope this is not the issue with it as well.

 

Only one rocker on the worst valve turned colors (and that was a goldish color from silver). It still rolls freely, so I think the valve issue caused the rocker damage and not vice versa. The other valves that were bad, but not as bad did not discolor the rocker. After talking with my engine builder again last night, he thinks not putting in the oil restrictors that so many people put in when they have a roller top end, may have saved us. You guys may keep that in mind too. I have a 7 quart pan and a high flow Meling pump, so I am not hurting for oil volume or pressure, so we left the top end oil unrestricted.

 

Anyone want to buy some proform heads?

Brand new,,,,, in the box.....

 

Dude, I hear this all the time. AFR valves suck, their springs generally suck, as do their guides. That is why I went with the Edelbrocks over the AFRs. The quality is WAY better. Basically, my opinion is the same as yours, if you want AFRs, buy the castings and build them up yourself. Everybody preaches AFR this, AFR that, and all I do is sit back and laugh. To be honest, I'd replace all of the valves. You don't have to get Titanium, but get some good stainless ones and replace the AFR crap. I see the caps as a half *** way of fixing the problem. Just my opinion.