Can PushRods be reused?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,583
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From: Richardson Tx.
Can PushRods be reused?
I am almost done with my engine build and discovered that I have not bought pushrods yet. Can I go ahead and reuse the old ones? Visually they look fine but I just don't know if its a good/bad idea. 
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 50
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From: Michigan
Hello,
I've been lurking here for a while but this is my first post so let me quickly introduce myself before giving you my answer. I have a '73 L48 4spd. It's my first Vette, I've had it nearly three years and one day I hope to stop working on it and start really driving it!
I had my heads rebuilt a while back and I reused the push rods. I checked for straightness by rolling them across a sheet of glass. If there's any bend that will really show it up. My were all straight and so far no problems.
John
I've been lurking here for a while but this is my first post so let me quickly introduce myself before giving you my answer.
I have a '73 L48 4spd. It's my first Vette, I've had it nearly three years and one day I hope to stop working on it and start really driving it!I had my heads rebuilt a while back and I reused the push rods. I checked for straightness by rolling them across a sheet of glass. If there's any bend that will really show it up. My were all straight and so far no problems.
John
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,711
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From: San Antonio TX
As long as they are in good shape (no bending or gauling) and they are correct for the application (hardned pushrods for guideplate heads), then, yes. They don't even need to be mated to the rocker/lifter they were pulled from.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
did you supersize your cam or the valve springs? if so i would get pushrods to match those. if you didn't do any upgrades and your old ones are good and the correct length you can reuse them.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 141
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Originally Posted by JoeRags
why reuse and old part when pushrods are relatively inexpensive? Personally, in a rebuilt/new motor I would just put new ones in.
all parts fatique with age; push rods are subject to a lot of stress over the life of an engine;
for me, i would replace the pushrods; they are not expensive, and if one is weak but not bent, if you add any performance to your engine at all you could be taking a risk using old push rods.
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From: Corsicana, Tx
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All depends on what you're doing with it. If it's a relatively ild build and they are in good shape..just reuse them. Check for straightness as above and also look closely at the hole in the ends. It should be a nice even circle..you can detect wear by looking at the tip area around the holes. Blow through them to make sure they are open. Just make sure there are no chewed up spots and if there are, go find that rocker..it will be chewed up too. Examine all rockers for wear in tip, pushrod socket and fulcrum area
JIM
JIM
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: 406ci SB, AFR 180 Heads - 490 HP @5,600 RPM 529 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM
Don't pinch pennies now, get new a complete set are cheap. Also have a good look at your rocker arm head studs. Make sure there are no groves or wear marks, as this may cause side pressure on the rocker.
Do it once, do it right.
Do it once, do it right.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: New Cumberland PA
Originally Posted by 79vetter
I am almost done with my engine build and discovered that I have not bought pushrods yet. Can I go ahead and reuse the old ones? Visually they look fine but I just don't know if its a good/bad idea.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 560
Likes: 1
From: Mooresville NC
I've reused the old push rods with no problems. Check for straightness with a piece of glass (or a removeable window, just tell the wife or mom your cleaning it ), check the ends for any chips and wear, and make sure they are not clogged.
), check the ends for any chips and wear, and make sure they are not clogged.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 607
Likes: 0
From: North Alabama
What about valve springs?
I am taking out the radical cam someone put into my engine and am putting the stock spec cam back in. Yes, new lifters will also go in...I'll probably reuse the push rods...but what about the valve springs? do you think it would be OK to reuse them...they look good...my only concern was if they were too "beefy" for the new, less radical cam. Is this possible? I would think going the other way might be an issue.
What do you think?
What do you think?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,583
Likes: 5
From: Richardson Tx.
I also forgot to mention that I have some upgrades to stock that I wanted to mention, to see if I need to buy new pushrods anyway:
1)New GM Cam - GM Part # 24502476
2)New Vortec heads
Or can I use the old rods with this combo as well?
1)New GM Cam - GM Part # 24502476
2)New Vortec heads
Or can I use the old rods with this combo as well?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
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From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Originally Posted by 79vetter
I also forgot to mention that I have some upgrades to stock that I wanted to mention, to see if I need to buy new pushrods anyway:
1)New GM Cam - GM Part # 24502476
2)New Vortec heads
Or can I use the old rods with this combo as well?
1)New GM Cam - GM Part # 24502476
2)New Vortec heads
Or can I use the old rods with this combo as well?
