How to check pushrod length on 5.9 magnum?

[plymouth67]

My Duster has LA bottom end and Magnum heads. I just put in my pushrod tool with the lifter on the base circle of the cam, got my length at zero lash and added .050" for preload...easy peasy. I actually found a set of pushrods on Summitt the exact length I needed.

 

[ScampNYC]

Sorry, forgot to mention this is a mostly stock rebuild. You can see the details of the build on other page. No headers, mild cam, built for drivability

 

[RustyRatRod]

Sorry, forgot to mention this is a mostly stock rebuild. You can see the details of the build on other page. No headers, mild cam, built for drivability

No sweat. It'll run strong either way! Keep us posted!

 

[Alfajim]

Hi, I am building a 5.9 magnum for use in my 71 Scamp and need to check pushrod length, but am finding a lot of conflicting information on the web about how to do this.

I have a regrind camshaft in the motor now, which has been degreed. I plan on reusing the stock hydraulic roller lifters. My heads have been assembled by the machine shop and are sporting new Hughes valve springs. i do have an adjustable pushrod length checker tool.

I am reading on the web conflicting information on how to check pushrod length. A common issue seems to be that the valve springs will compress the hydraulic lifter and give you a false reading. Some are saying you need to use either a solid lifter or soft checking springs. Other say you can shim your lifter. Some say Hughes has an adjustable lifter used for checking pushrod length. Then others are saying you need to check by using the lifters and springs you plan on running.

I am at a point in my build where I am ready to bolt my heads on, and would love to figure this out as efficiently as possible.

Can anyone give me the straight dope on how to check pushrod length with my set up? Step by step instruction would be hugely helpful! Thanks in advance!

Do not reuse the old lifters they are worn to a mate match to the old camshaft and will flatten the new cam almost immediately. Use new lifters or have the old ones refaced if they are not excessively dished and if they are hard enough. Made that mistake once years ago and lost a cam as a result.

Jim O

 

[ScampNYC]

Do not reuse the old lifters they are worn to a mate match to the old camshaft and will flatten the new cam almost immediately. Use new lifters or have the old ones refaced if they are not excessively dished and if they are hard enough. Made that mistake once years ago and lost a cam as a result.

Jim O

It’s a roller cam, 2000 5.9l magnum

 

[Alfajim]

It’s a roller cam, 2000 5.9l magnum

AH that's OK then all good then as long as the lifter rollers are clean no galling or pits and flat and the needle bearings are rolling smoothly.

 

[ScampNYC]

Hey folks, just thought I'd share where I netted out. I measured them as described and found them to be just about the same length as the stock pushrods, maybe 1/64" longer on a few of them. So then I added for preload, but couldn't find any pushrods the exact length I needed.

Then I found this set at Scram Speed, designed especilly for this application. The pushrods are 0.036" longer than stock, and are inteded for Magnum motors that have had a cam regrind. I'd say it's about right on the money for me! Magnum Pushrods +.036 longer than stock

Thanks everyone for the help!