TUBULAR ROCKER SHAFT WITH MULTIPLE INTERNAL COMPARTMENTS

A rocker shaft having at least two transversely formed interior compartments is provided each of which is devised for, and capable of, containing fluid at differing pressures. A multiplicity of generally radially directed holes present along the length of the rocker shaft communicate hydraulic fluid to the compartments via passageways present in the rocker arms, or valve deactivating rocker arm sections mounted thereon. Plugs installed within the rocker shaft at locations on either side of the holes provide compartmented regions within the shaft, each region of which has the capacity to contain hydraulic fluid at different pressures. The rocker shaft is capped at each end. Hydraulic fluid may be provided to the rocker shaft interior in a number of ways, such as through additional holes aligned with passageways provided in the cylinder head or through clearance openings between rocker shaft fasteners and rocker shaft mounting holes.