Pushrod check?
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Joined: Jun 2002
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Pushrod check?
Any reason to check for pushrod length on a pushrod motor? I am installing a 302 in my truck this weekend and it consists of a 99 Explorer shortblock, 94 Cobra Gt40 heads with 1.7 roller rockers, 302HO camshaft and Explorer Intake setup off of a explorer mint condition. Would the pushrods out of my old E6 block work fine with this other motor? 6.25" should be universal pushrod length for a 302 roller correct.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2005
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as you tighten down the rocker just bring it down to where there is no more slack in the push rod, you should only have 1/2 turn or so left before the rocker is seated. it's easier to do with the intake off, just watch the plunger in the lifter. when it starts to move off the retainer you should only have that 1/2 turn left before the rocker is seated to the head.
do not shim the rockers!!!! if you need longer or shorter push rods get them.....
do not shim the rockers!!!! if you need longer or shorter push rods get them.....
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,656
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no no 1/2 turn should seat the rocker to the head.... the push rod should move the plunger (inside the lifter) down that 1/2 turn....and no more...the 1/2 turn is the preload on the lifter.......then torque it...just make sure you are on the compression stroke...where the cylinder would fire when you check it.
Now, with two fingers spinning the pushrod between them to feel for resistance when you feel resistance STOP....now see how many turns it takes to seat the rocker not torque it just seat to the head. it should only be 1/2 turn or so 1 full turn is ok if your not spining it to the moon.
the 1/2 to 1 turn is your preload..the rocker can't move any more after it's seated.
if the first set is ok the rest should good as well, just torque them down....
Now, with two fingers spinning the pushrod between them to feel for resistance when you feel resistance STOP....now see how many turns it takes to seat the rocker not torque it just seat to the head. it should only be 1/2 turn or so 1 full turn is ok if your not spining it to the moon.
the 1/2 to 1 turn is your preload..the rocker can't move any more after it's seated.
if the first set is ok the rest should good as well, just torque them down....
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Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
If your old block had a roller cam, I wouldn't reuse the pushrods. They'll be worn to a knife like edge on the rocker ends.
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