C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Checking Pushrod Length

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 3, 2004 | 03:47 PM
  #1  
hightest's Avatar
hightest
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
From: Calgary Alberta
Default Checking Pushrod Length

I am in the process of installing the compcams shaft mount rockers (1.8's). I know that shorter pushrods are necessary, and I will be using a pushrod checker to determine the correct pushrod length, however I wasn't sure if the length should be checked with the hydraulic lifters collapsed or full?
Thanks.
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2004 | 06:43 PM
  #2  
hightest's Avatar
hightest
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
From: Calgary Alberta
Default

Anybody?
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2004 | 07:29 PM
  #3  
gojo's Avatar
gojo
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,613
Likes: 0
From: Winston Salem NC
Default

Originally Posted by hightest
I am in the process of installing the compcams shaft mount rockers (1.8's). I know that shorter pushrods are necessary, and I will be using a pushrod checker to determine the correct pushrod length, however I wasn't sure if the length should be checked with the hydraulic lifters collapsed or full?
Thanks.
Neither.
You need to get the lifter for the cylinder your checking on the base circle(low point on the cam). Slowly tighten the rocker bolt while spinning the pushrod between two fingers. Need small fingers. When the pushrod just makes contact that's your start point. Tighten the rocker bolt until it is tight. 22lbs of torque if you're not sure. As you're
tightening count the number of turns to the bolt seating. 3/4 turn to one turn is ideal and should give you about .060 preload. Your adjustable pushrod will help determine the length pushrod needed to achieve the currect number of turns and translate to pushrod length.
I had a hard time with the adjustable pushrod, because when you spin it the adjuster changes. Rocking the rocker arm works too.
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2004 | 07:46 PM
  #4  
brent02's Avatar
brent02
Instructor
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore MD
Default

Try the following:

http://www.holley.com/HiOctn/TechSer...ECVTTech1.html
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2004 | 08:06 PM
  #5  
gojo's Avatar
gojo
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,613
Likes: 0
From: Winston Salem NC
Default

Originally Posted by brent02
Brent, you realize that the link is for determining if geometry is correct after the PR length has been established?
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2004 | 08:24 PM
  #6  
hightest's Avatar
hightest
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
From: Calgary Alberta
Default

Thanks gojo,
but the rockers are a shaft mount. I understand how to adjust the rocker lash. What I was inquiring about was wether the lifters needed to be bled or pressurized to determine the proper pushrod length.
Thanks.
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2004 | 08:39 PM
  #7  
brent02's Avatar
brent02
Instructor
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore MD
Default

I was told that geometry was an important part of determining push rod length.
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2004 | 08:46 PM
  #8  
gojo's Avatar
gojo
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,613
Likes: 0
From: Winston Salem NC
Default

Originally Posted by hightest
Thanks gojo,
but the rockers are a shaft mount. I understand how to adjust the rocker lash. What I was inquiring about was wether the lifters needed to be bled or pressurized to determine the proper pushrod length.
Thanks.
It doesn't matter if they are shaft mount.
I described the method for determining PR length. If you know how to get lash then you know how to get length. If you have too many turns to bottoming out then the PR is too long. If you have to few then the PR is too short.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Dec 3, 2004 | 08:48 PM
  #9  
hightest's Avatar
hightest
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
From: Calgary Alberta
Default

Thanks Brent,
I agree geometry is important, however I am simply asking if the pushrod length is determined with the lifters bled or pressurized.
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2004 | 09:13 PM
  #10  
IFLUBYU's Avatar
IFLUBYU
Drifting
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,715
Likes: 1
From: cAshburn VA
Default

Originally Posted by hightest
Thanks Brent,
I agree geometry is important, however I am simply asking if the pushrod length is determined with the lifters bled or pressurized.
You are asking the right question, zero lash on a unloaded lifter and zero lash on a pre-loaded lifter are two different things. I learned that when trying to adjust my Comp pro-magnums.

You really need to hear this from a pro, but my guess is you need to do this with the lifter pre-loaded.

And getting this information is SOOOOOO easy call Comp's tech line. Just explain it to them and they will tell you exactly what you need to do. Trust me it's worth it even if you have to spend some time on hold.
CAM HELP: 1-800-999-0853 (it's help for any of thier products really, not just cams)
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2004 | 09:13 PM
  #11  
IFLUBYU's Avatar
IFLUBYU
Drifting
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,715
Likes: 1
From: cAshburn VA
Default

Originally Posted by hightest
Thanks Brent,
I agree geometry is important, however I am simply asking if the pushrod length is determined with the lifters bled or pressurized.
You are asking the right question, zero lash on a unloaded lifter and zero lash on a pre-loaded lifter are two different things. I learned that when trying to adjust my Comp pro-magnums.

You really need to hear this from a pro, but my guess is you need to do this with the lifter pre-loaded.

And getting this information is SOOOOOO easy call Comp's tech line. Just explain it to them and they will tell you exactly what you need to do. Trust me it's worth it even if you have to spend some time on hold.
CAM HELP: 1-800-999-0853 (it's help for any of thier products really, not just cams)

Good Luck!
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2004 | 09:16 PM
  #12  
brent02's Avatar
brent02
Instructor
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore MD
Default

Originally Posted by hightest
Thanks Brent,
I agree geometry is important, however I am simply asking if the pushrod length is determined with the lifters bled or pressurized.
The lifter seat is always at the top of the bore(as long as no pressure is applied to it). So there is always some tension pushing it up, just more when it pressurized(car running). Like gojo said “When the pushrod just makes contact that's your starting point” or Zero lash.

Last edited by brent02; Dec 3, 2004 at 09:18 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2004 | 10:01 PM
  #13  
hightest's Avatar
hightest
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
From: Calgary Alberta
Default

Thanks IFLUBYU,
Thats exactly the problem I was anticipating. It seems every time I ask somebody in regards to either bled or pressurized lifters, they go on a tangent about something else. When I checked the pushrod lengths, I noticed a distinct difference between pressurized height and bled height. Thanks for the ph. no., I'll give compcams a call in the morning.
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2004 | 10:55 PM
  #14  
gojo's Avatar
gojo
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,613
Likes: 0
From: Winston Salem NC
Default

Originally Posted by hightest
Thanks IFLUBYU,
Thats exactly the problem I was anticipating. It seems every time I ask somebody in regards to either bled or pressurized lifters, they go on a tangent about something else. When I checked the pushrod lengths, I noticed a distinct difference between pressurized height and bled height. Thanks for the ph. no., I'll give compcams a call in the morning.
One more try.

3. Back off the intake rocker arm adjuster and remove any tension from the pushrod. Wait a minute or two for that hydraulic lifter to return to a neutral position. The spring inside the lifter will move the pushrod seat up against the retaining lock if you give it time to do so. (If you are installing brand new lifters they will be in the neutral position when they come in the box.)[IMG]3. Back off the intake rocker arm adjuster and remove any tension from the pushrod. Wait a minute or two for that hydraulic lifter to return to a neutral position. The spring inside the lifter will move the pushrod seat up against the retaining lock if you give it time to do so. (If you are installing brand new lifters they will be in the neutral position when they come in the box.)[/IMG]
There is no difference bled or not. If there is you have bad lifters or you have put a load on the lifter. Go get a lifter and try pushing down on the seat. You will be surprised at the pressure the spring exerts. Nobody is going on a tangent. You are not understanding everyone who tries to explain.

After the call to comp. please post the answer.

IFLUBYU There is no such thing as zero lash on a preloaded lifter.
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2004 | 10:56 PM
  #15  
Bink's Avatar
Bink
Safety Car
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 1
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09
Default

Originally Posted by hightest
Thanks IFLUBYU,
Thats exactly the problem I was anticipating. It seems every time I ask somebody in regards to either bled or pressurized lifters, they go on a tangent about something else. When I checked the pushrod lengths, I noticed a distinct difference between pressurized height and bled height. Thanks for the ph. no., I'll give compcams a call in the morning.

hightest - I'm not tyring to argue here. But, gojo and brent 02 are not heading on a tangent to your subject.

Take apart a lifter and examine it . The spring maintains pressure on the back of the lifter seat (cup) - as brent said. As gojo said - as long as you don't exceed the pressure of this spring you wil have the max length of the lifter. The .060" preload gojo is referring to translates, geometrically, to the range (midpoint) of acceptable movement of the seat within the lifter bore.
You can go to Yella Terras website and download their Install Instructions and Tech Tips. If I remember correctly there is a tech sheet on determing proper PR length that basically follows gojo's and brent 02's suggestions.
FWIW.


***OOOPS...darn I'm slow!! gojo posted in the Time it took me to write the above!!!

Last edited by Bink; Dec 3, 2004 at 10:59 PM. Reason: Because I'm slow!!!!!
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2004 | 11:08 PM
  #16  
gojo's Avatar
gojo
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,613
Likes: 0
From: Winston Salem NC
Default

Originally Posted by brent02
I was told that geometry was an important part of determining push rod length.
Brent, you are right. However, it's likely the geometry will be okay if the correct length pushrods are used. Nothing radical has been done to the heads or valvetrain and the rockers are designed by Comp for the car.
Reply
Old Dec 4, 2004 | 07:34 AM
  #17  
brent02's Avatar
brent02
Instructor
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore MD
Default

Originally Posted by gojo
Brent, you are right. However, it's likely the geometry will be okay if the correct length pushrods are used. Nothing radical has been done to the heads or valvetrain and the rockers are designed by Comp for the car.
Yes, I agree. Sorry, I was just basing all of the above by my own experiences with head/cam/rocker arm swaps
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2004 | 12:08 AM
  #18  
hightest's Avatar
hightest
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
From: Calgary Alberta
Default

Hey Guys,
I wasn't referring to to your replies in regards to going off in a tangent.
If you notice, I said that "whenever I ask", as in the verbal sense. I had contacted a couple of speed shops, and a GM dealer with the same question, and none of them had any answers, they would only talk about how shaft mount rocker systems were never designed for use in the LS1 engine and that I was better off staying with stock rockers for longevity. That was what I was reffering to when I said "tangent".
I apologize if you think I was reffering to Gojo & Brent02.
I didn't mean to offend anyone here. I appreciate all of the replies.
By the way, I spoke to someone at Jesel (CompCams is closed for the weekend). Jesels' reply is, yes there should be enough spring pressure within the lifter to properly check your pushrod length without oil pressure in the lifter; however the GM lifters are not of the highest quality and it would be prudent to do the length check as soon as possible after the vehicle has been run as the added pressure may help compensate for any weak lifter springs that may be present. They also suggest checking the lengths at at least 3 pushrod locations in case one weak lifter provides an erroneous reading.
Thanks again for the replies.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Checking Pushrod Length





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:38 PM.

story-0
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-1
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-20 17:58:41


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-3
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

Slideshow: 10 things C8 Corvette owners hate, but won't tell you.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-01 18:36:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

Slideshow: Should you add one of these incredible Corvettes to your garage?

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-01 18:14:05


VIEW MORE
story-7
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

Slideshow: Breaking down the 2027 Grand Sport, Grand Sport X, Stingray, and LS6 V8.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-26 13:48:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

Slideshow: 5 reasons bad drivers crash sports cars & 5 ways to avoid a costly shame!

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-25 16:32:55


VIEW MORE