checking pushord length with hydraulic lifters

[stang-geoff]

How do you guys check what length you need? I have the pushrod length checker tool but doesn't the lifter need some preload so would I need to buy pushrods a little longer than what I measured or would buying pushrods at the measurement I take be fine?

 

[Rick 91GT]

Ped mount or stud mount rockers

 

[stang-geoff]

pedestal mount

 

[stang-geoff]

Alright, I have the factory stamped steel 1.6 rockers on there. What I did tonight was I installed the adjustable pushrod then the rocker and torqued the rocker to spec. I then adjusted the pushrod until it was snug against the rocker. This would give me zero lash with no preload on the lifter I'm assuming. Now I do need to put some preload on the lifter. How much more additional length will the pushrod need to be to set the proper preload on an oe lifter?

 

[Rick 91GT]

Alright, I have the factory stamped steel 1.6 rockers on there. What I did tonight was I installed the adjustable pushrod then the rocker and torqued the rocker to spec. I then adjusted the pushrod until it was snug against the rocker. This would give me zero lash with no preload on the lifter I'm assuming. Now I do need to put some preload on the lifter. How much more additional length will the pushrod need to be to set the proper preload on an oe lifter?

Ped mount can be a little funny since you can add shims to get the preload correct, with a stamped steel rocker I have never had to go to a different pushrod especially with a stock head. 6.25"-6.27" works.

 

[TenorPlayinGuy]

I've had similar results with my Cobra Pedestals.

Only needed slightly longers pushrods when I had my TrickFlows and 7/16th stud mounted rockers.

Just adjust the checker tool to O.E. spec, set the locknut, and install normally. Rotate the assembly about 2-3 turns to get a marking on the top of the valve. (you may want to paint the valve tip) if the groove is nice and centered, you're good to go. If it is towards the outside shorten it, towards the inside lengthen it. After you've achieved your desired result measure the length with a dial caliper and voila order up a set closest to your measured pushrod checker.

Since the pushrods are already longer than 6in... make sure to find a longer dial caliper (most available ones are at 6") I found a nice 8" unit and store my pushrod tool with it.

 

[Rick 91GT]

you really dont want to rotate the assembly with the adjustable rod in place unless you have a checker spring installed. A normal valve spring will bend/distort the checker tool...