So I just had my LA318 rebuilt and I put it back in the truck (89 Dodge D-150), pulled the passenger side valve cover off because I was going to prime the oil pump and watch to see oil flowing up to the heads. But before I took the drivers side valve cover off I noticed one of the rocker arms it not lined up right with the valve stem. Anyone know what the deal is? Should I try to reassemble the valve assembly? The machine shop I used is like a 45min drive away so I would like to just fix it if it's not a big deal.

I took the other cover off and the other side has one that's off too.

If I'm thinking correctly the rockers should be offset in pairs so take a look at the two rockers and see if switching them would position the right. Next you should contact the machine shop and make sure your not going to void any warranty you have on there work. I guessing if they broke it in for you they have already damaged the rocker and valve tips.

My thoughts only I'm by no means an expert.

I was priming the oil pump in preparation for firing it up for the first time.

https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/show...amp;Search=true

If you look in that thread, there is a pic showing the layout of the rockers...something sure is not looking right on your's, and if an engine shop put it together, might be a little concerned how they did everything else.

The rockers are stamped LH/RH, you have two LHs together in that picture.

I see the machine show didn't pay attention to the LT/RT markings on the rockers and just threw them on randomly.. I'll have to call the shop and see how they are going to take care of this.

I see that now. Bastards...

I could put strychnine in the guacamole...

By the way, where is the missing RH rocker then?


It is easy enough to take the rocker shafts off and re-arrange them at least.

For sure. I've got two rights on the other side. They didn't keep track of what went where at all..

But ya, it's not a big deal to fix it, but I'm going to have to contact the shop first. They're going to tell me they'll fix it if I bring the motor back but I've already put it in I don't want to do that. So I'll have to just fix it myself but I'll send them a bill for the labor. And when they don't pay it I'll take em to small claims.

What a hassle..

If you don't have any extra rockers to make up the missing correct sided ones, at least getting some old ones is pretty easy, most people (myself included ) seem to end up with some laying around.

None are missing, they're just in the wrong order. But ya, I pay $1400 for a rebuild I shouldn't have to deal with this [Edited by Moparts - Family Friendly Site - Keep it clean].

this way is the correct way..good you found it.

did they get the notch on shaft correct end on the head left to right?

should be to rear on pass side and to front on driver side of engine for correct oiling to rockers.

I had taken the rockers and everything off and had all the parts in a beer box with everything labeled and separated so they knew what came off were so they could reassemble them the same way and this is what I get. They did the same thing with all the bolts I gave them. They were all in labeled bags and they give back what they didn't use in a pile. If they didn't use the bolt or even clean it why did they need to take it out of the bag??

Nope, they've got the shafts backwards too!

it would be as important as rockers in correct order.

I would have to see someone in person for that kind of $ with this kinda problems.

must be a chebby shop doing side work on mopars. I do better shadetree hickabilly JY builds for way less $

And like I mentioned...wonder what else they might have not got right while assembling it.