Rocker Arm Assembly: Service and Repair

Fig. 7 Rocker arm shaft assembly:

Fig. 8 Rocker arm cover reinforcement installation:

1. Remove air cleaner assembly if necessary, then disconnect ignition wires from spark plugs.
2. Remove PCV valve and vacuum hose. On V6-179 engines, disconnect fuel return and supply lines.
3. Remove carburetor choke air deflector shield, if equipped.
4. Remove rocker arm cover attaching screws and reinforcement plates. Mark washers so they can be reinstalled in their original positions.
5. On models equipped with V6-171 engine, drain transmission fluid, then remove level indicator tube and bracket from rocker arm cover.
6. On vehicles equipped with automatic transmission, disconnect kickdown linkage.
7. On models equipped with V6-171 engine, move Thermactor air hose and wiring harness away from right side rocker arm cover, then remove engine oil fill cap.
8. On models equipped with V6-171 engine, disconnect vacuum line from canister purge solenoid and the line between canister and solenoid.
9. On models equipped with power brakes, disconnect power brake booster hose.
10. On all models, remove rocker arm covers. It may be necessary to lightly tap covers with a plastic hammer to break seal.
11. Loosen rocker arm shaft attaching bolts in sequence two turns at a time, then remove bolts and the rocker arm and shaft assembly.
12. Disassemble rocker arm shaft assembly as shown in Fig. 7.
13. Reverse procedure to assemble and install. Refer to Fig. 8 to install rocker arm cover reinforcement pieces.