Rocker arm alignment tool and method

Abstract

An apparatus for and method of aligning rocker arms ( 401 and 403 ) with push rods ( 611 ) during the assembly of an internal combustion engine utilizes an installation tool ( 100 ). The tool ( 100 ) includes a plurality of alignment members ( 101 ) that engage and constrain the rocker arms ( 401 and 403 ) to facilitate installation of the rocker arms ( 401 and 403 ) in alignment with the push rods ( 611 ) during engine assembly.

1 . A tool comprising: 
 a base; and    at least one alignment member attached to the base and having an end, wherein the end is capable of receiving a rocker arm and limiting movement of the rocker arm during engine assembly.    
   
   
       2 . The tool of  claim 1 , further comprising a slot disposed in the end, wherein the slot is formed to receive the rocker arm and limit movement of the rocker arm during engine assembly.  
   
   
       3 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the end comprises a first finger and a second finger and wherein a slot is formed between the first finger and the second finger.  
   
   
       4 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the end comprises a first finger and a second finger and wherein the first finger and the second finger are capable of limiting movement of the rocker arm between the first finger and the second finger.  
   
   
       5 . The tool of  claim 3 , wherein the end comprises a first finger and a second finger and wherein the first finger is capable of limiting movement of the rocker arm between the first finger and a fulcrum plate that supports the rocker arm.  
   
   
       6 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein a slot comprising a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface is disposed in the end.  
   
   
       7 . The tool of  claim 6 , wherein the first surface is part of a first finger, the second surface is part of a second finger, and the third surface is disposed between the first finger and the second finger.  
   
   
       8 . The tool of  claim 1 , further comprising a slot disposed in the end, wherein the slot forms a shape that is complementary to a shape of the rocker arm.  
   
   
       9 . The tool of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one projection extending away from the base and capable of at least partially supporting the tool on one or more engine components.  
   
   
       10 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the base further comprises a base extension.  
   
   
       11 . The tool of  claim 10 , further comprising at least one rib attached to the base extension and the base.  
   
   
       12 . The tool of  claim 10 , further comprising an opening in the base extension and a grip attached to the base extension near the opening.  
   
   
       13 . A method comprising the steps of: 
 inserting one or more rocker arms into one or more slots of one or more alignment members of an installation tool such that the alignment members engage the one or more rocker arms and at least partially restrain the rocker arms;    moving the one or more rocker arms into a desired position with the installation tool;    aligning and engaging one or more push rods with the rocker arms;    disengaging the installation tool from the rocker arms.    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising the step of resting a support surface of the installation tool on an engine component.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising the step of engaging one or more valve stems with the one or more rocker arms before the step of disengaging.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the step of disengaging is performed after securing a rocker arm carrier for the one or more rocker arms to an engine block.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising the step of reusing the installation tool during assembly of another engine.