Originally Posted by solidsnake11 (Post 3368285)

That is the new style rocker arm. For the rocker to jump out it has to have excessive clearance first. When they redesigned the valve train they increased the clearance at which the rocker arm would fly out. I would bet they changed the valve spring rate but I have not confirmed.

Examples of causes: Incorrect lash, valve float, broken valve spring, foriegn material on valve seat or bent valve.

The sr20de has this problem over 7400rpms when the valves float. Unfortunately the fa20 also has gravity working against it.

Originally Posted by rixter145 (Post 3368237)

Wish I knew about this sooner...
I found that out the hard way...today... I literally just started the car, heard some sound... didn't think of it much and then on my 12 min drive to my appointment, i noticed smoke and a trail of oil... FML.
https://i.imgur.com/pyEhruy.jpg

Originally Posted by rixter145 (Post 3368381)

My shop is taking it out today to diagnose what the issue is. I am hoping that it's just the heads and then I can proceed to order the retainer kit... new heads and whatever components got messed.

Originally Posted by solidONE (Post 3368389)

Terrible.. broken cast aluminum parts are the ugliest things ever. And comes with a side of heartbreak. Is that a chunk of the cylinder head or the valve cover?

Originally Posted by NoHaveMSG (Post 3368415)

Hopefully. When mine popped out the rocker pivot came out too and I lost all oil pressure. It threw the rod when I was trying to get it shut off and in a safe spot on the side of the track. Hopefully your rod and mains survived. I did loose two at the same time, likely making it worse.

Originally Posted by mstoj (Post 3365637)

So for those interested, Subaru/Toyota updated the rockers and pivots but the change didn't combat the issue we're seeing in the video (it was mentioned earlier that the change was for the oil). The height of the pivot didn't change, meaning that retaining kit can be used on any model year.

Note, it's important to check valve clearances during installation and swap out the lash adjuster buckets if required. This is unlikely if each lash adjuster bucket is returned to the original valve.

FYI, the engine in the video was factory sealed.

Originally Posted by Danny318 (Post 3368617)

Can they be installed with engine still in car?

Originally Posted by Danny318 (Post 3368617)

Can they be installed with engine still in car?

Originally Posted by prandelia (Post 3371337)

Interesting. I just brought up this very topic while discussing a full long-block build with IAG, and they seemed have no concern for this issue when using the 17+ valvetrain parts with heavier beehive springs.

Originally Posted by rixter145 (Post 3371354)

On my rebuild I am using 17+ valvetrain parts and non beehive springs, they are GSC-5756. But it still fell off. I mean if you are OK with taking the risk then go for it, but for an extra $450, I rather have a peace of mind.

Considering I am taking the engine out and shipping it back to put those retainer kits back on, this is a no brainer investment.

Originally Posted by prandelia (Post 3371398)

Good to know, thanks. Interestingly enough, I also questioned IAG's use of such heavier valve springs (about 90lbs seat) vs stock (about 50lbs seat) for an NA car. When I spoke with Element tuning about valve springs, they still recommended using a very light upgrade such as the Ferrea 60lb single (even for high hp), and they still do some sort of rocker stopper as well.

Makes me wonder if this is also somehow related to these significantly higher valve springs being used in rebuilds?