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Odd Lifter preload issue/question

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Old Oct 21, 2010 | 03:26 PM
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Default Odd Lifter preload issue/question

Hey all i have a z06 with tfs 215s and a g5x3 cam and lunati shaft mount adjustable rockers. Heres my question I recently switched from comp cams 5/16s to 3/8s pushrods 7.500 length. With the 5/16s pushrods i was running a turn and a half preload .090. Since I changed the pushrods the max preload i can run is about 3/4 turn about .045. Im running ls7 lifters and pac 1521 springs shimmed to spec. Anything more than .045 and the car is hanging the valves open and wont idle.

The only change was the pushrods is there any reason why the stiffer pushrods need a different preload? flex maybe? The car is running fine i was just curious as to what would cause this.

Thank you in advance for the replies.
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Old Oct 21, 2010 | 04:17 PM
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Pushrods alone will not have an effect on the preload.

Heck, .045" is enough preload and will lessen the chances of lifter "pump-up". Strange about the change, but it sounds like everything works just fine.

I'd be curious to hear what the cause is, if you found out what was really going on.
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Old Oct 21, 2010 | 07:22 PM
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Originally Posted by manley845
Pushrods alone will not have an effect on the preload.

Heck, .045" is enough preload and will lessen the chances of lifter "pump-up". Strange about the change, but it sounds like everything works just fine.

I'd be curious to hear what the cause is, if you found out what was really going on.
I havent and the rockers are a tad noisy compared to before definitely has a sewing machine noise now. If i tighten it at from where its at it hangs the valves open. The car runs great though very strong. I just found it really strange. I changed 1 cylinder back to 5/16s for fun and it takes .090 with the 3/8s .045 is the max any more and it wont run. The noise is a bit annoying but i guess ill get used to it

Last edited by BHRZ06; Oct 21, 2010 at 07:48 PM.
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Old Oct 21, 2010 | 07:41 PM
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Originally Posted by BHRZ06
I havent and the rockers are a tad noisy compared to before definitely has a sewing machine noise now. If i tighten it at from where its at it hangs the valves open. The car runs great though very strong. I just found it really strange. I changed 1 cylinder back to 5/16s for fun and it takes .090 with the 3/8s .45 is the max any more and it wont run. The noise is a bit annoying but i guess ill get used to it
Not sure if I understand...

So, at one setting it doesn't allow the valve to close ("hangs the valves open"), but when you tighten the adjuster on the rocker arm to add more preload it then allows the valve to close??? Seems reverse from what should happen.

I'd be curious to see pics of the set-up.

Well, I hope you get it figured out
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Old Oct 21, 2010 | 07:48 PM
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Originally Posted by manley845
Not sure if I understand...

So, at one setting it doesn't allow the valve to close ("hangs the valves open"), but when you tighten the adjuster on the rocker arm to add more preload it then allows the valve to close??? Seems reverse from what should happen.

I'd be curious to see pics of the set-up.

Well, I hope you get it figured out
No, when I add more preload it keeps the valve from closing causing them to hang open and the car to run poorly. At 3/4 turn .045 it runs nicely but is noisy.

Thanks for the input man i found this extremely odd
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Old Oct 21, 2010 | 07:53 PM
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Originally Posted by BHRZ06
No, when I add more preload it keeps the valve from closing causing them to hang open and the car to run poorly. At 3/4 turn .045 it runs nicely but is noisy.

Thanks for the input man i found this extremely odd
Gottcha

It is strange. All I can say is that there most be some kind of interference using those pushrods. Can't think of what the interference would be though
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Old Oct 21, 2010 | 08:16 PM
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Have you checked to see if the larger diameter pushrods are rubbing?
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Old Oct 21, 2010 | 08:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Greg_E
Have you checked to see if the larger diameter pushrods are rubbing?
Yes no clearance problems whatsoever. The tfs heads come predrilled for the 3/8s pushrods. I checked them after install and there isn't any rubbing or interference.
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Old Oct 21, 2010 | 08:33 PM
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After replacing the pushrods, have you checked to see if the wipe pattern is the same on the tip of the valve?
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Old Oct 21, 2010 | 08:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Greg_E
After replacing the pushrods, have you checked to see if the wipe pattern is the same on the tip of the valve?
Yes wipe is still perfect even and centered. Odd isn't it done quite a few ls engines and have never experienced this before
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Old Oct 21, 2010 | 08:53 PM
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Any chance the new pushrods are mismarked and aren't the same length as the old ones?
I'm outta bullets!
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Old Oct 21, 2010 | 09:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Greg_E
Any chance the new pushrods are mismarked and aren't the same length as the old ones?
I'm outta bullets!
Haha its ok I am too especially annoying as the valvetrain is too noisy with this level of preload on it. I measured them with my digital calipers same length 7.500. The car runs like a monster just noisy who knows. Its getting dynoed again tomorrow so lets see what happens right lol.
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Old Oct 22, 2010 | 05:15 AM
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Originally Posted by BHRZ06
Yes no clearance problems whatsoever. The tfs heads come predrilled for the 3/8s pushrods. I checked them after install and there isn't any rubbing or interference.
I would suggest double checking this. Erik at HKE has made a few posts recently where he has found the 3/8" pushrods make contact even though the newer heads are machined for them. When I did mine I used machine blue and coated the pushrod then spun the motor with no spark plugs to keep pressure on the lifters. I can't remember where Erik said this problem occurred but if I find his posts I will link it.

Found it, read the entire thread. Erik is "Racer7088". Link

Last edited by vettenuts; Oct 22, 2010 at 05:21 AM.
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Old Oct 22, 2010 | 10:56 AM
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Here it is without the commercial post in the middle of it:
I use 11/32 on TFS intakes and 3/8ths on exhaust as that all that will fit the bigger heads with the port moved over. We've used larger but we had to modify the heads. The smaller and older heads can run 3/8ths on some depending on rockers.

As always you have to check first. Get 1 3/8ths and then check.

We offer HKE pushrods 11/32 and 3/8's, what ever length you need
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Old Oct 22, 2010 | 11:32 AM
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Originally Posted by vettenuts
I would suggest double checking this. Erik at HKE has made a few posts recently where he has found the 3/8" pushrods make contact even though the newer heads are machined for them. When I did mine I used machine blue and coated the pushrod then spun the motor with no spark plugs to keep pressure on the lifters. I can't remember where Erik said this problem occurred but if I find his posts I will link it.

Found it, read the entire thread. Erik is "Racer7088". Link
Ill triple check now that the car has a few miles on it there should be some contact evidence in the blueing on the pushrods. Thanks for the reply man im going over to that thread now
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Old Oct 22, 2010 | 11:40 AM
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Originally Posted by 99blancoss
Here it is without the commercial post in the middle of it:



We offer HKE pushrods 11/32 and 3/8's, what ever length you need
Pm sent
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Old Oct 22, 2010 | 12:32 PM
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what is suggested preload on a LS7 lifer? My caddys are .60, and I thought the LS7 were about the same...have you checked spring height as well? my buddys VT was being noisey and broke some rockers...turned out it was the wrong size valve seat...and you sure 7.5 is the right PR? 7.5 is pretty long..what CC are your heads?
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To Odd Lifter preload issue/question

Old Oct 23, 2010 | 07:49 AM
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Could it be that the larger diameter push rods don't sit in the lifter/rocker as deep?
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Old Oct 24, 2010 | 01:34 AM
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Originally Posted by Rob's 73
Could it be that the larger diameter push rods don't sit in the lifter/rocker as deep?
This is exactly the same thing I was thinking. The tips are too fat to sit as deep down into the sockets as the thinner pushrods.
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Old Oct 24, 2010 | 01:12 PM
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Originally Posted by striper
This is exactly the same thing I was thinking. The tips are too fat to sit as deep down into the sockets as the thinner pushrods.
Id normally agree with you guys but these are tapered pushrods and the ends are the same size as the 5/16ths. I checked the seating in the rocker and its perfect. Im going to assume they are hitting on the heads but who knows. Im going to try the 11/32s pushrods on the intakes and see where that puts it. The car is running great just noisy
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