FA20 Rocker Retainer Kit

[Danny318]

Are there any “newer” engines that have had this issue ?

[rixter145]

Originally Posted by solidsnake11

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.

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.

[solidONE]

Originally Posted by rixter145

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.

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?

[NoHaveMSG]

Originally Posted by rixter145

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.

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.

[rixter145]

Originally Posted by solidONE

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?

Yeah it's a corner of the exhaust rocker, closest to the front of passenger side.

[rixter145]

Originally Posted by NoHaveMSG

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.

Hopefully, shop's gonna take the oil pan off to see if there any metal shavings or where the rocker lash is. Will be sending it back to engine builder for repair and install retainer kit. I hope Australia shipping is quick.

[rixter145]

Originally Posted by mstoj

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.

I have reached out to you by email! Looking forward to getting my hands on a set. Thanks

[Danny318]

Can they be installed with engine still in car?

[kevaughan]

Originally Posted by Danny318

Can they be installed with engine still in car?

No.

[soundman98]

Originally Posted by Danny318

Can they be installed with engine still in car?

the valve covers need to come off the sides of the motor.

better to pull the motor than be a glutton for punishment trying to get anything past the frame rails.

[prandelia]

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.

[rixter145]

Originally Posted by prandelia

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.

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.

[prandelia]

Originally Posted by rixter145

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.

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?

[rixter145]

Originally Posted by prandelia

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?

It's for people who stay at the higher rev range to eliminate valve float. I am unsure if the Ferrea springs will stay shut for that application but if you are in the rebuilt route, might as well get a heavier spring and retainer