428 pushrods

[RustyCrankshaft]

I didn't see anything about a roller cam, just rockers...... I haven't seen any FE hydraulic lifters that provide oiling via the pushrod. Perhaps there are, just not common.

It's pretty rare that I've seen FE specific hyd flat tappet's unless special ordered these days. Most places (engine rebuild supply places like EngineTech and regular parts stores like Napa) all show only 1 or 2 part numbers that cross to nearly all Ford V8's so you end up with pushrod oiling at the lifters. Not saying its the way to go, but it's the economy of scale and the way these companies help the profit margin. The last time I did a flat tappet 390 I had to special order the "correct" hyd lifters for it because I couldn't get them anyplace local.

[440sixpack]

Okay,  I'm headed over to Smith brother tomorrow so I want to make sure this is right.

 It's okay to put the piston on TDC compression stroke and measure the push length on  that cylinder correct ? 

So in doing this as you'd expect I have some rod lengths  that are a tiny bit shorter than others,  so I assume I'd use the shortest one as my length for the set ?  And I'm not doubting you Brent, but the instructions say .030 preload and we're talking .060 preload.   so to be sure .060 is what I want right? 

[fryedaddy]

i just thought of a possible problem in checking for correct pushrod length.you said you have hs adjustable rockers.they recommend 0-2 threads on the rocker adjust bolt sticking out of the bottom side of the rocker arms.make sure the adjust bolts are not screwed down too far or not far enough when checking for proper pushrod length.i ran into this issue when i bought a set of hs rockers.

[440sixpack]

I think that was the OP.  I just have stock rockers.

In doing some reading .060 is actually  isn't even on the high side . Hughes calls for .080 actually.   I'm not sure where comp came up with .030 but it says that's for all hydraulic lifters.


looks like .060 it is.

[blykins]

.060" on the preload.

For measuring, you want to make sure that the adjusters are choked up tight to the rocker arm body, as fryedaddy says.  You want them down far enough that it gives you pushrod cup to rocker arm body clearance, but you don't want them down so far that it starts giving you "pushrod sweep".  If the adjusters are hanging way down, a lot of cam lobe lift is translated into pushrod end movement instead of valve movement. 

As for where to measure, I think the "EVO" method is more accurate than the TDC method.  Pick out a cylinder, roll the engine over until the exhaust valve starts to open, then measure the length on the intake valve.  When you're done, roll over until the intake valve opens and starts to close, then measure the one on the exhaust valve. 

[440sixpack]

OK,  I'll check it again and head over to Smith Bros in Redmond.