Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Pushrod install advice?

[JGheen]

When I put my head back on this weekend, I was wondering if anyone has any advice on re-installing the pushrods to make sure the tip of them ends up on the tappet and not anywhere else that is gonna cause a bent pushrod or even more damage on re-start. I was reading some searched posts about bent pushrods and it seems pretty easy to get them improperly installed on the tappet post and recieve a bent or broken one upon start-up.

I think it might be somewhat troubleless by just dropping them down the holes and wiggling them around until they "feel" like they are on the post of the tappet but then again, it may not. Any experienced advice is much appreciated.



Thanks, Joe

 

[DJWyckoff]

when I install push rods I start at the front of the engine I insert them one at a time and just above ware they sit I carfully lower them into place and GIVE THEM A SPIN I don't look down inside untill it feels right and spins smoothly (this way I get the practice and "muscile memory" to install the #5 and 6 confidently. I don't do it every day so that is my way to cheet. good luck.





by the way how do you like those 6" stacks I may get some miter cut and run them a foot over the cab. but Im not shure.

 

[ctd8999]

When you slide them in the hole you can tell when their in the tappet. They kind of stick in them you can feel some resistance when you lift up on them. You'll see what I mean when you do a couple of them. You should have no problem. Thanks Steve

 

[JGheen]

when I install push rods I start at the front of the engine I insert them one at a time and just above ware they sit I carfully lower them into place and GIVE THEM A SPIN I don't look down inside untill it feels right and spins smoothly (this way I get the practice and "muscile memory" to install the #5 and 6 confidently. I don't do it every day so that is my way to cheet. good luck.





by the way how do you like those 6" stacks I may get some miter cut and run them a foot over the cab. but Im not shure.

Thanks for the help, I love the stacks and will never go back. They sure do help when you have annoying tailgaters behind you... :-laf



Joe

 

[JGheen]

When you slide them in the hole you can tell when their in the tappet. They kind of stick in them you can feel some resistance when you lift up on them. You'll see what I mean when you do a couple of them. You should have no problem. Thanks Steve

That's what I was thinking as well, cuz removing them you could feel the "sticking" effect like you described from the oil in the tappet top sticking to the base of the pushrod. That should help very much as well, thanks.



Joe

 

[Johnstra]

As ctd8999 says, you can easily feel when they've properly seated in the tappets. You won't have any trouble at all.

-john

 

[Leon R]

You should be able to tell when you do your valve adjustments if they are in right. In the event you do manage to adjust them with one out of line make sure you do a couple of complete rotations by hand of the engine before you button it up and start it. Always a good idea to go over the valve adj once more after you rotate the engine (by hand).

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Yes when they're right they spin with resistance in your fingers, but are very smooth in the oil of the tappet. If you've missed the mark, you can feel them rubbing & grinding a bit on a rough surface.

 

[DWitcher]

You can lift up on the pushrod and it will lift the tappet/lifter slightly then fall and then you know your there after you insert the pushrod again.

Watch the pushrod alignment when installing the rockerarms aswell. Make sure the adjusting screws are in the pushrod sockets before tightening down the rocker/head bolts. Especially with the exhaust rocker levers.

 

[McCRam]

I installed the front ones a few times to get a feel for them. When I did the back ones, I used a mirror to get a look at them. I have only done a headgasket change once. Since I heard on here that this was a common mistake, I was paranoid ,so I took my time tomake sure I did it right.

 

[DJWyckoff]

cool man now get it on the road and smoke them coopers for us!