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How to Install a Rocker Shaft on a Ford 390 Motor

The rocker arm in a combustion engine translates the rotation of the camshaft into the linear movement needed to open the intake valve of the cylinder head. The Ford 390 engine appears on various Ford vehicles from 1961 to 1976, such as some 1968 Mustangs. The rocker shafts on this engine are part of the intake manifold assembly, so the rocker shaft installation procedure requires the removal of any components needed to access the intake manifold.

Instructions

1

Drain the coolant from the radiator into a container, and store the coolant for later use.

2

Detach the radiator hose from the housing of the thermostat, and remove the bypass hose from the intake manifold. Disconnect the air cleaner and ducts from the the intake manifold with a socket wrench. Remove the distributor cap, and detach its electrical wiring from the engine.

3

Mark the distributor housing to indicate the rotors position, and detach the electrical primary wire from the ignition coil. Disconnect the hold-down bolt for the distributor, and remove the distributor from the intake manifold.

4

Detach the vacuum lines on the intake manifold, and disconnect the electrical wire for the temperature sending unit. Remove the vacuum lines and fuel line from the carburetor. Disconnect the linkages that attach the carburetor to the intake manifold.

5

Disconnect the valve covers with a socket wrench. Turn the four mounting bolts for the rocker shaft two turns counterclockwise, proceeding from front to back. Repeat this until you disconnect all of the mounting bolts for the rocker shaft.

6

Mount the new rocker shaft and fasten the mounting bolts with a socket wrench. Tighten each bolt two full turns at a time, proceeding from back to front.

7

Install the remaining components by performing steps two through four in reverse sequence. Use the mark that you made on the distributor housing in Step 3 to install the distributor in the correct position. Refill the radiator with coolant, and check the vehicle for fluid leaks.