I usually hang out on the '61 to '79 list, but this question is more suited to you guys. I have a chance to buy a 1958 F250 2wd pickup with a 272. It was parked because the rockers weren't getting any oil. Can this be fixed without an engine rebuild, and if so, how? Thanks, Jason

 

Oil to the rockers on y-blocks was such a common problem back in the old days that parts stores sold a kit specifically to fix it. The fix consisted of two types. One kit included a hollow bolt that repalced the bolt that goes thru the valve cover. Copper tubing was provided to tap into the oil passage on the side of the block or at the oil pressure sender and direct oil to the hollow bolt which then fed the rocker shaft. The other kit provided a brass cap that was placed on the end of the rocker shaft and held in place by the cotter pin. The copper tubing was run under the valve cover and sodered to the brass cap. Before installing the brass cap, a hole had to be punched thru the end plug. When y-blocks were rebuilt, it was a common practice to undercut the center cam bearing bore to maximize flow to the rockers. In these modern times, the best fix is to drop in a 302-351/c-4/alternator combo.

 

I am all too familiar with the oiling problems for the Y blocks. The aftermarket oilers work as a good "stop gap" to try to extend the life of the engine for a while. Only problem is knowing how long the rockers went without oil. I found out that my shafts had to be replaced by noticing the blueing due to high heat and friction that it sustained. From what I gather from the "old timers" who know the Y block from when they were new design, they say that modern multi viscosity motor oils will improve the life expectancy of a rebuilt Y block over what was used 40 years ago.

 

FWIW, the Y block usually oiled the rockers ok till the engine was overheated. The cam bearings usually spun due to the overheating and that is when the lack of oil to the rockers showed up.
I would opt for a replacement with later engine unless I were restoring the truck. ray

 

Any idea where I might purchase one of these oiler kits? I have a '57 Ford with a 272, and sure enough, one side has been starved of oil.

 

This is a real fix for the y blocks. you take engine down to bare block,go to a machine shop,let them take the cam bearing out and machine a grove in block that go up to oil the rocker arm, then put the cambearing back in and you will not have anymore trouble with oiling the rocker arm.I have done this for several years.and having 35 years with Ford It Work. Hope this will help you out

 

 

first analize the real problem, my experiance is the rocker shafts are pluged with sludge. so loosen the bolts a wee bit then start the engine,if oil comes out the stands(1 that is by the hole from the cam bushing). if no oil remove both rocker asem. try clearing the hole.as there is a dogleg in the head a rod won't go all the way.use comp air if you still can't get oil then you may have to distant the engine.
ther are 2 typs of cams,1 has metering holes to supply oil to rockers,2nd has a grove. the groove type should have the groove depend. then instal new bushings,tho if you are at this point may as well rebuild the engine
I have worked on maney Y blocks and have not witnesed the cam brg spun.
usual cause is no regular oil changes.

if you get oil to the stand you will need to dismantel the rockers and at least replace the shafts. A lways block off the return tubes,as they bleed off all the pressure and you have poor oiling of the rockers.

 

You need to ask questions in the 1957/60 F100 and larger truck forum. This is the 1948/56 forum.

 

Bill that post was made 1999 and he hasn't logged in since 2013.

 

Geez Louise! Usually I look at the date.

Notice the member in post 8 who dug this thread up...by responding to a post typed 1/2/2000!

 

He's just trying to be helpful.. that feller has been waiting a long time!