Rocker Shaft Material.

[SydneyRoverP6B]

I can recall during the late 1980s having a conversation with another P6B owner, and the topic of rocker shafts came up. He told me that the shafts were made from aluminium allow which were then nickel plated. He also said that hard chrome steel ones were also occassionally fitted, but these were a rarity. He explained that the underside of the shafts would wear very heavily and lead to a reduction in oil pressure.

At the time, being in my 20s and only having been driving my Rover for a couple of years, I was not in a position to agree or disagree.

During the mid 1990s I undertook a top end overhaul. Recalling that very conversation I was amazed to find that my rocker shafts were none other than hard chrome steel! From memory there was little if any wear on the shafts, so they were both reused.

Now my question is....was that gentleman correct with his ascertain? Or were the rocker shafts always made from hard chrome steel?

I am pretty sure that I did not misunderstand what the gent was saying, afterall the OEM rockers and the pedastals have always been aluminium alloy. I appreciate that steel rockers are available, but they of course are not OEM!

Ron.

 

[ghce]

I got my cam shaft and rocker shaft replaced by ther Nelson Rover Franchise dealer in the early 90's also and recall at the time the Service manager saying that they did not use Rover origionals in the job as they were not the best long term choice and that an American part was used in it's place, I still have the invoice to hand ans part number maybe they used a chrome steel part as I do recall him saying something about a steel replacement??

Graeme