I have reassembled my rocker set with new (genuine Rover) posts and have noticed the rocker tips don't align with the valve stem.

When I removed the rockers the wear was off centre and I wanted to get them aligned so they sit in the centre of the rocker pad.

To get some rockers aligned I had to use 2 spacing washers which seems to do the trick. On some others i had to remove the washers all together but they are still misaligned.

I can grind some material off the side of the rocker but is this normal practice?

Also, is it ok to not run a spacing washer between the rocker and post or should there be at least a shim of some sort?

Picture on left- aligned with 2 washers between the post and rocker.

Picture on right - no washer but still misaligned.

great photos, can't help with the answers though. Are the rover sets handed? r/l i would trim the offending posts rather than the rocker

These rockers were made with wide pads for a reason. So they don't need to be centralised.
1275 valve spacing is greater than on the smallbores, the exhausts are moved out. Inlets remain in the same place.
It is normal to put ONE flat washer next to the exhaust rockers only.
If you move it more, watch the pushrods don't foul in the head... or in the top of the block. Interference = bent pushrods.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Thanks very much! [THUMBS UP SIGN]

Is it ok to replace the rockers without the spacing washers. I find that when I remove some the rocker is better aligned with the push rod hole in the head.

Pushrod doesn't need to be dead centre in the hole.
It's more important that the rocker pad is not contacting the valve right on the edge of the pad.
BMC put a flat washer next to the exhaust rockers on all the forged 1275 sets, and I think the 1275 pressed steel ones too.
I do the same with the Minispares 1.5 `forged' rockers.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

As Kevin has said the pushrods need to sweep clear of the head.
If the rocker pads are worn you would need to dress them otherwise they will want to pull the valve back into the worn patch or alternately only run on the unworn area having a smaller contact area..
Also check if head studs have slight bend they may push to pedestals to one side. You can move the pedestals and nip the small rocker stud to hold them in the right spot. Don't prematurely nip head stud to do this.
Cheers Ben.

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The formula for the length of a piece of string is simple: Twice as long as from one end to the centre!

Thanks Ben. Great points that I will definitely use. You are right, there is a little bit of lateral movement of the post on the small stud. I will use it to my advantage when I align it during the head installation process.

additionally to whats been said those rockers are real production items.

The flash line of the forging is still pronounced with the non machined surfaces showing heavy rumbling marks.

Some time on the linishing belt and a set of scales may lighten the load if you're so inclined.