sshriber

Hi Everybody. Finally putting the 1962 Super 88 back together. 394 During head install, I broke the rocker arm shaft. I am assuming I torqued it out of sequence and it snapped it. Has anybody else had issues reinstalling heads on the 394's? Thank you.

Charlie Jones

Do you have an Oldsmobile shop manual ?
If you don't , you will need a 1961 Oldsmobile Shop Manual and a 1962 suppliment .
They are usually available on E-Bay ;
1961 Oldsmobile 88 and 98 Shop Manual 61 Olds Repair Service Base Book for 1962 | eBay
and
OEM Repair Maintenance Shop Manual Bound Oldsmobile All Models Supp To 1961 1962 | eBay

There is a certain procedure for installing the rocker arm assembly . The book will tell you how .

New rocker arm shafts can be had from Fusick Automotive ;
Rocker arm shaft, 1960-64 Oldsmobile 371, 394 V8-Fusick Automotive Products, Inc.


Here's a thread on re-building a 394 ;
394 "Rocket" engine build - ClassicOldsmobile.com

redoldsman

When you reassemble the shaft and rockers be sure the holes in the shaft face down toward the head. Please don't ask me how I know but suffice to say it was an expensive lesson.

sshriber

Charlie. Thank you. Awesome reply and info. Yes. I have both manuals. I followed them. I think the issue is where they say snug them all first. It did not indicate to follow the pattern. I probably did not pay attention and kinked the shaft snugging them. With the valve train all active at this stage. The rockers are in various stages of movement. If I had the front ones snugged and the rear cylinders were lifting or closing, it would put pressure on the shaft and tube steel is not very flexible 🙀. Thanks again.