Measuring multiple cylinders for pushrod length
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Measuring multiple cylinders for pushrod length
I'm an engine rebuilding virgin so bare with me. I'm measuring for pushrod length on my 460 using a length checker. Am I safe measuring cyl 1 at TDC or should I measure more than one? And if I measure more, what should I do if the numbers come up slightly different?
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,924
Likes: 153
Was the block decked ? Heads milled ? The valve tip heights all set equal ? If these things were done then I'd only check one cylinder on each bank. In a nonadjustable valve train it is extremely important that all the valve tip heights were set equal. Don't forget to add the preload figure to the push rod length you come up with.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Thanks for the reply Mark.
Part of the problem is that the engine was rebuilt before I got my hands on it. I have no idea what was done to the heads or block. The machine shop said the deck and heads were straight so they didn't do any additional work on them.
I've measured each cylinder and getting some slight differences in length. It's my first time doing this so I may be a bit when setting 0 lash. I may be compressing the lifter a bit. What's the best way forward in this case? Should I just stick to a single cylinder? Find the best pushrod length between my highest and lowest length reading?
Part of the problem is that the engine was rebuilt before I got my hands on it. I have no idea what was done to the heads or block. The machine shop said the deck and heads were straight so they didn't do any additional work on them.
I've measured each cylinder and getting some slight differences in length. It's my first time doing this so I may be a bit when setting 0 lash. I may be compressing the lifter a bit. What's the best way forward in this case? Should I just stick to a single cylinder? Find the best pushrod length between my highest and lowest length reading?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
No I'm not using checking springs? Should I be?
I don't have the numbers infront of me, but I remember the intake being 0.025" difference between the highest and lowest reading. The way I went about is I set the timing gears dot to dot (pre-71 0-degree) and checked cyl 1.. I then turned the engine until the intake lifter went up and back down on the next firing cylinder. I then checked that one.
I turned the pushrod length checker until there was no more up and down play against the rocker arm, trying my best not to compress the lifter. Then counted the rotations and adding the recommended preload.
I don't have the numbers infront of me, but I remember the intake being 0.025" difference between the highest and lowest reading. The way I went about is I set the timing gears dot to dot (pre-71 0-degree) and checked cyl 1.. I then turned the engine until the intake lifter went up and back down on the next firing cylinder. I then checked that one.
I turned the pushrod length checker until there was no more up and down play against the rocker arm, trying my best not to compress the lifter. Then counted the rotations and adding the recommended preload.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,924
Likes: 153
You have to put checking springs on the cylinder you are checking, there is no other way to do it. If there is any movement in the lifter plunger it will throw the measurement off and the valve spring psi will easily overcome the plungers spring.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: N,Ga
Why are you checking the length? You really don't have a reason to. That motor-factory, has non adjustable rocker arms. This ain't a SBC run the nut down all the way and that's it. Or I'm I missing something?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 847
Likes: 4
From: In my house..
By pressurizing the cylinder with compressed air the valves will be held in place so can easily install the checking springs and retainer, disconnect the air line and have at it..
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
406angler
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Jul 23, 2017 08:38 PM
xjpilot
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
19
Jan 22, 2012 01:24 PM
AbandonedBronco
Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300
8
Mar 20, 2011 02:58 PM
1970f2504x4
FE & FT Big Block V8 (332, 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, 428)
35
Jan 13, 2004 01:19 PM