rocker block question

[Johns]

According to the Aerovee engine building manual it states to put the gap in the rocker blocks down towards the cupped end of rockers. A few pages down on adjusting the gap it shows them facing up. Watching you tube videos they say to put them up. Wondering which way is the right way. What did you guys do?


John

[pappas]

I put them facing down.

[Area 51%]

Every VW repair manual that I have seen/own (at least 3) states the gap "must" go up.

I've never heard any explanation on behalf of Sonex why they want the gap to go down, contrary to the other published manuals. It would seem it makes little difference, but till I get at least a plausible explanation for the gap to face down, mine will stay up.

John M.?

[Johns]

Interesting, person on you tube said keep them up for lubrication, oil drips down from the springs and keeps the rod lubricated. Does that make sense?
John

[Area 51%]

Could be part of the equation I suppose, but the reason the slots are there is to allow the blocks to "pinch" the shaft and keep it from moving. The rockers get their lubrication under pressure from the pushrods while the engine is running. And while dripping oil (inside the engine) after shut-down is never a bad thing, I doubt it has much to do with the slots.

There must be more to it than that though, or the manuals wouldn't be so adamant about the orientation.

[Sonerai13]

I've run them both ways. Doesn't seem to make a lot of difference. Sometimes they just fit better one way or the other. Never have figured out what the "right" way really is.