Working on rebuilding a '65 413 and need some advise

[volksnut]

Question is on rocker arms and a few other things. How much slop is acceptable with rockers on shafts or are they a fairly tight fit? Also are the oil pumps rebuildable, I see a kit for them a Melling K-63, are they worth the hassle or just purchase a new one? Last question...rope rear main seal or silicone type?

 

[gyknot]

The rockers can spin freely around on the shafts. If they have much up and down play then they are getting worn.
Oil pumps are easy to rebuild. I'd tear the old one apart first and if there are no grooves worn into the ends its an easy job. Lately it seems buying a new pump is almost as cheap though.
I've always used the rope seals myself. Never had an issue with them if they are put in correctly.
Have fun with your build.

 

[volksnut]

The rockers can spin freely around on the shafts. If they have much up and down play then they are getting worn.
Oil pumps are easy to rebuild. I'd tear the old one apart first and if there are no grooves worn into the ends its an easy job. Lately it seems buying a new pump is almost as cheap though.
I've always used the rope seals myself. Never had an issue with them if they are put in correctly.
Have fun with your build.

Thanks for the reply. The engine came out of a Imperial and with 80K miles I though maybe a rebuild of the oem pump would suffice but I'll check for grooves. On the rockers it seemed to me like the lower part was pretty thin and there was some side movement.

 

[CBODY67]

80K miles probably shouldn't have worn rocker arms or shafts, especially on an Imperial. They might have a bit of wear, but not be "worn". Any "slack" you might see with the rocker assys removed should be taken up with the shaft assys bolted to the heads against valve spring pressure on one side and pushrod pressure on the other side, I suspect.

If that engine had decent care, probably won't need to many new parts, including the oil pump assy.

Personally, I'd be much more concerned about putting a new steel timing chain set in it that the oil pump. DO also replace the fuel pump push rod, though.

Just some thoughts,
CBODY67

 

[70bigblockdodge]

If you take the rockers off the shaft the hole should be circular, oval is no good. I've seen these do that, very random, side to side is okay.
Oil pump is what your comfortable with. Just don't go down the high volume pump route unless your putting a bigger oil pan and need it for high rpm.
Some inlet ports (the teardrop shaped one ) are really rough casting on new pumps. Your call.

 

[413]

The rockers are very sloppy on the shaft when off the engine. At 80K they should be good.

 

[volksnut]

Okay, I took a picture of the under side of the rockers for you to see, looks weird to me, removed one from the shaft and there round ...I have a video also. The cylinder walls look great, no ridge.

 

[413]

Looks normal. When they are installed and the tension is pushing up on both ends they get tight.

 

[volksnut]

Looks normal. When they are installed and the tension is pushing up on both ends they get tight.

Thanks