Rebuilding top end, rocker arm sticks a bit, is that okay?

XS650s are the best!

So I am rebuilding a barn find. I have the engine taken apart and I see that one of the pistons needs replacing. One of the rocker arms (exhaust side) for it sticks if you push it all the way back, but not forward. None of the other rocker arms stick at all. Do you think I should replace it to be safe or try to use it. It does not appear to be bent, warped, cracked or anything, it just sticks a bit.

What would you do? I am afraid that if it is a problem I am going to find out the hard way when it fires up. I do not want it to get stuck open and blow this thing up.

Any help is appreciated.

Pnedac

77 XS650 Bobber
83 XS650 Cafe

What would I do? Gee, that's a tough one--maybe, just maybe, pull the rocker shaft and have a look at the bearing surfaces for damage?

That is a good start. I will do that. It stands to reason that there must obviously be a reason for the sticking so that is a good place to start. Although it seems minor, it exists and therefore is an issue that needs resolution. Well, thanks Grizld1

Seeing what a PITA it is to pull the rockers after the engine is back in the bike, yeah I would definitely investigate. It would be a shame to get it all back together then have the rocker seize on the shaft after 100 miles or so. With the head cover off it's not hard to pull the shafts and clean everything up so even though they moved freely I did all of them on my motor just to be on the safe side.

I am having th exact same problem. I took the shaft out but didn't notice any damage not sure what's up. I ordered a new o e from mikes gonna see if that does the trick.

I had mine stick as well, so I took it out and gave the shaft/bearing that goes through the rocker a light buff with some polish and that solved the problem!