Measuring push rod length
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,315
Likes: 17
From: Near Jacksonville Fl.
Measuring push rod length
Ok, somebody please tell me how I can get my fat fingers in between the rockers, springs and head to adjust the push rod.
I'm using a set of Patriot heads and Harland Sharp full RR on shafts.
I'm using a set of Patriot heads and Harland Sharp full RR on shafts.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
I couldn't. I removed the rocker set each time and then made an adjustment. Find where it is too short, like 7.250" and open one turn at a time until it is too much then back off 1/2 turn, then 1/4 turn, etc. It will take several tries.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 26
From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
^ That's about it.
Although I was able to turn the adj. pushrod with it in place, but found the entire thing just spun instead of the top half of it unscrewing out. Gets you nowhere fast.
Ended up doing like vettenuts described.
Although I was able to turn the adj. pushrod with it in place, but found the entire thing just spun instead of the top half of it unscrewing out. Gets you nowhere fast.
Ended up doing like vettenuts described.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,151
Likes: 20
While it is extremely tight it can be done without removing the rocker arm. I used both hands to grip each pushrod. The corners are the hardest. Make sure the threads on the pushrod are lubed and that it adjusts freely. Then make sure all lube is cleaned off both the pushrod and hands. Because its so hard to get in there this method is pretty much fail safe in terms of not getting the pushrod too long. It just cannot be extended more than zero lash with such limited grip. I simply went as tight as I could. To be sure I actually went through every pushrod and they all read damn near the same. Worked well for me. It's a good idea to call the lifter mfg. and find out what the recommended preload is. FWIW I used link bar lifters which are a huge improvement in drainage over the factory lifter cups.
