Are these plastic clips there to hold the rocker arm during assembly only? Do they serve any purpose once the engine is in service?

Thanks,
Fred

 

I've heard reference to these clips, but my '03 didn't have any plastic clips when I did headgaskets. Did that change from a metal clip to plastic in the later years?

 

They are indeed plastic now, not sure when they changed. Here is a link that shows one:

Ford Rocker Arm Clip, Plastic

I think they are for assembly purposes only, but want to make sure. Anyone who knows please reply.

Thanks,

Fred

 

Yep, those clips were metal in my '03. Sure don't like all the plastic pieces...

 

Does anyone have an answer? I have a broken clip, I don't think it's a concern, but want someone with a little more knowledge to shed a little light here, please.

Thanks,
Fred

 

Yes, unfortunately later model year engines use the plastic rocker arm pivots, and NO they are NOT used for assembly purposes only. If you have a broken one, REPLACE IT before you lose your rocker arm.

 

Thanks for the reply. To replace it requires removal of the carrier? Will this also disturb the head gasket and require replacement, or am I missing something?
Thanks.

 

Rocker arms can be removed without removing the cylinder bolts. But to do so, requires use of this tool:

https://rotunda.spx.com/en-US/Pages/...x?itemID=18452

This tool is used to to compress the valve springs by clamping down on the valve bridges, with the fuel injector removed.

If you do manage to obtain this tool, be very careful not to drop the rocker arm pivot ball during rocker arm removal. Removal by this method ensures that cylinder head to block clamping is not disturbed.

 

Thank you very much for the info. It is greatly appreciated.

 

If you don't want to buy the tool, there are several people that have done headstuds successfully one at a time. You could probably get by with removing the head bolt and reinstalling a new one (since they are TTY, you shouldn't re-use them). Or, better, upgrade to studs right now.

 

I always hate searching for information, finding the thread that has just what I am looking for and then there is no finish, no outcome so to say. With that said, I replaced the broken rocker retainer clip today, with no issues at all, it slipped right in. No really, it did. Popped right over the pedestal and clipped on. Thanks for the heads up about this M-Chan.