Engine – Rocker Shaft Repair and Set Up

Our latest page of useful information delves into the intricate workings of the Figaro engine rocker shaft, specifically focusing on the consequences of its cracking and snapping. In this article, we provide a comprehensive explanation of the vulnerable areas that are prone to failure when the shaft cracks, as well as the subsequent effects on the engine. Furthermore, we guide readers through the step-by-step process of removing, repairing, and setting up the shaft, ensuring a thorough understanding of the necessary procedures. To enhance comprehension, we have included useful links, visual aid in the form of pictures, and an extensive parts list to assist in acquiring the necessary components for this repair. With this detailed resource, owners gain valuable insights into the Figaro engine rocker shaft and acquire the knowledge needed to address any related issues effectively.

Words and Picture: Simon Smith

At the top of the Figaro engine is a rocker shaft that holds the rocker arms in place, these rest on the camshaft lobes. When the camshaft turns the lobes push the rocker arm against the valve causing it to open and then close.

If the bolts that hold the rocker shaft in place on top of the engine head become loose. This can then cause the rocker shaft to move, crack and then snap.

As you can see from the pictures below if the rocker shaft is allowed to move they normally break at the weakest point; at bolt holes. When this occurs the engine usually power is lost or can stop completely, however, damage can occur to the bolt thread holes which will need the top engine head repairing and if you’re unlucky serious engine damage can occur resulting in engine rebuilding.

There are however checks that can be taken to prevent this from occurring. The rocker securing end bolts should be fitted with securing clips, however, with age these quite often crack, and break apart allowing the bolts to be able to come loose. In order to make these checks and access the rocker shaft the rocker cover needs to be removed. First, the turbo air outlet pipe needs to be removed by undoing the 4 clips over the two rubber pipes which hold the metal pipe in place. Once the rubbers are loose the one nearest the turbo can be slid over the metal pipe, this then allows the metal pipe to be angled away from the turbo and fully removed. Next, the large and small breather pipes need to be unclipped from the rocker cover pipes and moved aside and the electrical connector attached to the throttle body unclipped carefully – there is a metal retaining clip around it holding it in place.

The two small bolts on the top of the rocker cover at the gearbox side holding the bracket for the water pipe in place then need removing allowing the bracket to be pivoted up and away. On the other side of the rocker cover, there is one small bolt holding on the accelerator cable bracket in place.

The top two rocker cover nuts can next be removed and the large round metal washers and rubber mushroom grommets can be removed from the cover, these normally deteriorate and crack and therefore then need replacing.

To remove the rocker cover it’s easier to lift the driver side up and then turn it and lift the whole lot up and away taking care not to damage the rocker cover gasket. If there are any signs of oil around the top of the engine coming from around the rocker cover, or the gasket is old, cracked or deteriorated, then this should be replaced as well.

At this point, the top of the engine is exposed and care must be taken not to let anything drop inside. The first checks should now be made to see if anything is missing, worn or loose. If there are it is recommended that these are replaced.

The diagram and picture show all the parts, below list the Nissan part numbers. These are easily available from your local Nissan dealer and are normally cheaper than elsewhere, always fit proper Nissan parts. As well as fitting the securing clips it’s worth removing all the bolts and using a small amount of Loctite or Thread lock on them to help prevent any movement. They should all then be tightened to the correct settings, the torque settings from the Nissan service manual are also shown on the part diagram. It is important not to miss the washers or fit any alternatives as without them the bolts will touch the rocker shaft locking it in position and resulting in catastrophic engine damage when attempting to start the engine.

Having refitted all the parts the valve (tappet) clearances should be checked. Full details on how to do this are available on the Figaro Club Technical Forum see below links…

Links

Forum links

http://figaroownersclubforum.com/thread/5959/check-rocker-shaft-fit-securing

http://figaroownersclubforum.com/thread/5956/check-adjust-valve-clearances-tappets

Local Nissan Dealer Parts department links

http://nissangenuine.com

https://www.thenissanfigaroshop.co.uk/parts-department

https://www.garagefk10.com

https://www.amayama.com/en/genuine-catalogs/epc/nissan-japan/figaro/fk10/2233-ma10t

If your garage is undertaking the work of fitting the securing parts and adjusting the tappets for you, they should charge between 1-2 hours, this will be more if there is any damage found.

Parts

Parts are available from….

1) 13222C: Plain Washer (x3) PN: 0131100741

2) 13221A: Rocker Bolt (x3) ** PN: 080208301A (was 0111100552)

3) 13221E: Bolt Stopper (securing clip) (x2) * ** PN: 1325401M00

4) 13256: Rocker Spring (x2) PN: 1325601B00

5) 13255: Rocker pivot retainer (x2) PN: 1325501B00

6) 13222A: Rocker Shaft Bolt (x2) ** PN: 1322417B0A (was 1322417B00)

7) 13255N: Rocker Shaft Centre Retainer (x1) PN: 1326001B00

8) 13270: Rocker Cover Gasket (x1) * ** PN: 1327017B00

9) 13264J: Rocker Cover seals (Round Mushroom rubber with metal washers) (x2) * ** PN: 1329815M00

10) 13264C: Rocker Cover Nut (x2) ** PN: 131370101P

11) 13264: Rocker Cover (x1) PN: 1326417B86 – NLA New. Available used eg: eBay. Also available refurbished; shot blasted and refinished from The Figaro Shop

12) 13252: Rocker Shaft (x1) PN: 1325201B00

13) Thread lock (Removable) (x1) * PN: N\A – eBay\Local Motor factor

* These are the minimum recommended items.

** These parts are available as a kit from The Figaro Shop here: Figaro Rocker Shaft Re-tension Kit at £49.99 + £3 delivery.

Please note this information is provided in good faith from various sources. As with anything you should only carry out work with the correct tools and skills.

We are therefore not responsible for anything occurring from this information\advice, you are doing so at your own risk!

PICTURES

STEP 1