Say, I got a set of used (less than 500 miles) set of rocker arm studs from ebay. After further inspection I notice grooves on either side of the stud shaft (right below where the bottom groove of rocker is). The groove are no deeper than 1/32" and appear to be from the rocker arm engaging the stud shaft while rocking back and forth.

Two questions:

1. What causes this?

2. Can they still be used? Can I take some crocus cloth to them to smooth out the rough edges and still use them.

The ebay seller did not notice the grooves and compensated me for them. And he allowed me to keep them. So before I trash them, I want to make sure they could be used.

d1

 

Did you use guide plates for the push rods??

 

Yes, guide plates were used for the push rods. Maybe the push rods were damaged or bore was out of whack?

I got the set used, and the previous owner said he only used them for 500 miles on his 455 before switching heads.

I am just looking to see if I can install the slightly damaged studs and if so, what I can do to ensure I prevent the same thing from happening.

d1

 

It sounds as though the rocker slot was too small for the cam being used or the valve geometry was incorrect.

Yes. You must remember the metal has been fatigued as is now not as strong it once was.