Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rods Cleaning and Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Montana, 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette, and 2002 Chevrolet Venture. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Bodily injury may occur if the cleaning solvent is inhaled or exposed to the skin.

Clean the valve rocker arms and push rods in cleaning solvent.
CAUTION: Refer to SAFETY GLASSES CAUTION .
Dry the valve rocker arms and push rods with compressed air.

Fig 1: Valve Rocker Arms Components
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Inspect the valve rocker arms for the following conditions:
- Excessive wear at the valve contact or push rod socket area (1)
- A loose or damaged pin (2)
- A worn or damaged roller bearing (2)
  The roller should rotate freely with no binding or roughness.
- The bolt threads for damage
Important : Keep the push rods in order. The intake and exhaust are different lengths. Exhaust is green, intake is yellow.

Fig 2: Push Rod Components

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Inspect the push rods for the following conditions:
- Straightness using a straight edge (1)
- Excessive wear on the push rod ends (3)
- Clogging of the oil passage (2)