I'm working on a 5.9/408 build with a fellow FABO member and I got curious about this.
5.9 stroker build
When assembling a non stock engine, you often have to get custom parts to fit the application. We file fit the rings to each bore but does anyone actually measure for pushrod length on every cylinder?
I've only had to order pushrods a couple of times and I just measured off of #1 cylinder.
Come to think of it, when we degree a cam, we also only check the specs for the same #1 cylinder. Does anyone actually check specs on the other cylinders to see if they are consistent?
To this original point though...It didn't occur to us to measure pushrod length on cylinders 2-3-4-5-6-7 or 8.....
Until today.
Rich got inconsistent numbers despite verifying that the rocker shafts were snugged down, the cam was on it's base circle and that the pushrod checker was properly seated in the lifter.
The goal was to establish a zero lash measurement then add the suggested amount of preload to the number to arrive at a proper length. Three cylinders were checked and the numbers varied by around .030.
Now, that is well within the range of adjustment allowable in these rocker arms. It got me thinking though that since most of us have stock based engines with non adjustable shaft mounted rocker arms, how many of us are running a combination with either too much or not enough preload?