Engine Building 101: How to Properly Measure for the Right Engine Pushrod Length

How to check for the best pushrod length is a critical motor measurement you need to know when building an engine. And while there are a few good ways to check engine pushrod length, Summit Racing’s tech experts will show you the best way to confirm the proper pushrod length your engine and valvetrain needs. In this video you’ll learn how to use an adjustable pushrod length checker tool to properly measure for the best pushrod length, which will ensure the correct lifter preload and mitigate excessive valve lash.
While the example engine in this pushrod length check walkthrough happens to be a GM LS, these same tips and techniques for selecting the right pushrod length hold true for plenty of other applications, including small and big block Chevy, Ford Windsor, Chrysler LA, or most any other pushrod-equipped engine.
Here are some tools used in the pushrod length video:
Pushrod Length Checker: www.summitraci...
Measuring Caliper: Measuring Calipers - www.summitraci...

[@mikesmith-po8nd]

If you would check the lash the first time and add that to the pushrod when checking it in the caliper, it would get you in the ballpark faster than to keep removing/reinstalling it.

[@johnbehneman1546]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! THIS IS MY FAVORITE SERIES!!!! I ALWAYS LEARN SO MUCH!!!!!

[@SummitRacing]

Thank you for watching, John!

[@BlueOvalEdge]

I recommend that you add the Summit Racing video entitled, "How to Measure Pushrod Length Using Trick Flow Pushrod Length Checkers" to the Engine Building 101 playlist. It has a more detailed technical explanation of pushrod length checking using both old school gauge pushrods and the more modern non gauge pushrods, including measurement methods to compensate for gauge pushrods and adding pre-load to the final "overall length". This video is at kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpWuYaFomdp0nMk

[@70_Torino_Guy]

Thank you. Still learning this stuff... would like to see more of these videos.

[@SummitRacing]

Thank you for watching, Jason!

[@superboogen]

Import turbo Honda guy here... This is interesting I wonder if measuring the gap to zero lash with a feeler gauge could increase speed. Looks like a modified valve adjust procedure to me 😂. V8 Dyno tech that works awesome.

[@Bulkshit]

Always a good deal at Summit. And now, great before/after the sale tutorials!!!!! You've got my continued business. Now if you could only tell me if I can use adjustable pushrods if I locktite them.

[@montefiveforty1]

Would it make sense to measure lash and add that to push rod length to save time setting up zero lash?

[@Airman..]

Please elaborate on rocker bolt rotation vs lifter plunger

[@InitechAuto]

Thank you!

[@m.a.p.4hp737]

This is a great way to check pushrod length. I've always add .030" of preload length. Is .050"-.075" much better? Thanks for the video.

[@YoungerPrice]

Depends on the lifters your using

[@alacran1986]

It does depend on the mating hardware. I added 0.050 to my measurement and it was not enough. After breaking in the engine I had to get longer pushrods, by another 0.050” to get the wear pattern in the center of the valve stem.

[@robertclymer6948]

Is this set up for hydraulic lifters? Thanks.

[@KingJT80]

yep hydro. thats why hes creeping up on it. it would collapse the lifter if he went too far

[@matt81z28]

I should've thought about using a caliper gauge 🤦‍♂️

[@JosephNnbs]

So I blew my first motor. Gen 4 5.3. Y’all got a short block?

[@robertclymer6948]

Hi Joseph. Is the Gen 4 better then the Gen 3? Lots of gen 3's out there.

[@JosephNnbs]

@@robertclymer6948 if you are only using it for an engine swap into a different car or you have a pre-2007 gm vehicle then you need a gen 3 engine. In my case I need the harder to find more expensive gen 4 for my 08.

[@john-sutton-tn]

DEAD NUTS he said!!!😂🤣

[@jerrymorgan2769]

Am looking to purchase KENTUCKY TOOL BOX

[@crossingkey4978]

Hahaha i thought only me and pops used the term dead nuts

[@YoungerPrice]

Notice he is using checker valve springs!! Do not do this with dual springs installed youll risk collapsing the lifter and getting a inaccurate measurement

[@moparman2692]

Sure, if you start with the adjustable rod being far too long. If you start short and creep up on the lash as Brian did in the video, then you should never be close to collapsing the lifter.

[@davesinnett2977]

What do you mean by collapsing the lifter? I wonder if I did this because I notice that I can easily push the 2 lifters in cylinder #1 down a little by hand but I can’t on the cylinder next to it.

[@TooLoudBear]

Seven 420 LøL

[@sheltonsautomasters279]

you use the term "it" much too often. Also, you completely left out the up or down position of the actual lifter. Add that to the fact that you haven't defined "solid or hydraulic " lifters. If they are hydraulic, are they filled, centered of collapsed? Then, the it, your reference to the rocker picot bolt I'm guessing, is it just lightly touching, or should it be torqued? You're talking about building an over 1000 hp engine... Please don't leave us guessing...