A noise on the passenger side has been bugging me for many thousands of miles. I've resigned myself to the fact that these trucks sometimes make noise. OK, as long as no issues stem from the noise. I have a big week of repairs coming up soon, and a pile of parts is building for Stinky. I do this odd thing before any big project - I rehearse it in my head. By doing this mental rehearsal, I catch "uh-oh" details - like supplies, parts, or tools needed.

During rehearsal, I was spinning the pushrods on number 7 (checking for a bent one)... then it hit me like a 400 HP WOT run: Are the push rods supposed to spin by finger without loosening the rocker arm?

 

I would think, if they are not on the cam lobe, then they would spin. But then, my thoughts and $5.00 will get you a cup of something at Starbucks......

 

I have my valve covers off, so I will check when I get home from work this afternoon.

EDIT 10/25/13: I didn't try them all, but the push rods that I tried spin just fine without too much resistence.

 

Push rods usually spin when the valve is closed. How easy though, is "easy"? Not running, it doesn't have oil pressure and I believe our lifters are hydraulic. Our engine building buddies will know. By the way Rich, I go over things many times in my head also. Unfortunately, its usually when I'm trying to sleep.

 

I gave up trying long ago... now I just wait for each collapse.

 

If I remember correctly from the last time I was messing with them, sometimes they can move, sometimes they cant. Rich, just out of curiosity, have you torqued your rocker arms when you've been under there?

Good idea looking at push rods. Honestly, they are CHEAP, and very easy to install. Other thing to think about would be valve springs as well. While you're under there, might as well pull the rockers and push rods, get a piece of glass (I know you've got to have an old window laying around with this remodel) and roll them on it. If they show any sign of bend (dont maintain contact and roll smoothly) then I would just replace them. With the noise you're having, and the fact that your injector hold down bolts didnt like holding torque, I wouldnt be surprised if your rocker arms might be a little loose.

 

out of curiosity Tug, would you mind posting up IR * readings, on each cylinder. Reason being, is what Ca2000 is, going after...thx man.