Installing pushrods and rocker arms

Now that the cylinder heads are on, it's time to install the push rods, rocker arms, and pedestals. The torque spec for the rocker arm bolts is 25 ft. Lbs.

[@tommywatterson5276]

Reassembling the rocker arm assembly on the 64 Olds 394 Starfire Hi Compression V8 was just installing the hydraulic valve lifters, push rods, rocker arm shaft, springs, rocker arms, and tightening down to torque spec. There was no screw/lash adjustment.

[@DavidPerez-bh2tg]

I got a 6.2l l99 and I was doing a head gasket on it and noticed all my push rods and rocker arms where mixed up and I wanted to ask how to you figure out which pus rod is for the intake and the exhaust?

[@deltacountry2413]

This video really helped me but I have a question. Do I bring each cylinder to tdc and then torque them or do I just work them in a line without worrying about where the cylinder is on that set of valves. Thanks again for explaining it and making it simple, I was overthinking it.

[@international2408]

Thanks and glad I could help. This particular engine I just did them all in a row without worrying about the position of the pistons or the lifters (lifters were "dry" with just enough oil in them so they wouldn't seize).These are hydraulic lifters without any provisions for adjustments and this engine had stock low compression pistons and stock low lift camshaft so there really isn't any chance of valve to piston issues on this particular engine if everything is put together correctly. Now if this was a high performance engine with high compression, high lift camshaft, or solid lifters and/or an adjustable valve train, then there would be a procedure and clearances for the adjustments/ installation.

[@jackfentress0281]

@@international2408 what size engine was this

[@international2408]

307 oldsmobile

[@pedritoc.c.t.665]

Help I have a 64 6cil Impala and one the push rads came off was little bend so I strained little and installed the lifter but I didn't see that clip . I will get new ones I get the money to buy all new so should I try to look for the clip and also it seem the same both ends so I just put it in car runs good but it won't turn like the other it does las the oil .

[@maniacalmonster2293]

Apologies for the novel & slop of a msg. Im falling asleep as I write this half awake.... But anyway, did you have any complications while putting on your push rods and rocker arms, like when just hand tightening at first, one rocker does not bolt down all the way..? First thought, valve or lifter is up higher raising the push rod up just a bit, making the bridge uneven linked to the other rocker & keeping it from being able to screw down all the way. Until you start tightening to spec of course. . . BUT im 97% sure this isnt the case & all of the lifters or valves are down cuz the rockers are off. So when putting rockers back on, they all should be even just as they were when you took them off. So why would one bolt screw down a rocker all the way when hand tightening but the next one does not..? Does that make sense? Any ideas? Oh, & I cleaned it up pretty damn good in there so there is no debri sitting on the lifter that couldve fallen into the push rod hole causing it to seat higher.

[@92sebass]

Video helped me out. Thanks 👍👍

[@joelafleur6423]

Questions, I'm doing head gasket on a 2001 jeep grand cherokee, with the inline 6 4.0 liter. And I don't need to find top dead center on that motor do I? One thing I found was no preload adjustment is needed for my motor. Could I do what you did on my motor? Drop the rods put on the rocker arms and torque them to specs??

[@SineMacula]

Hey there, I have a 72 F-100 with a 390 GT, it has the none adjustable roller rockers. Do each push rod have to go back to the same lifter? Or could in do new push rods with old lifters? There is a little wear on some of the push rods and some look to have very little wear.

[@international2408]

It’s best to match each lifter with the push rod that was removed, because of the wear pattern each one leaves, but I would bet if there is very little wear it would be ok, and yes new pushrods with old lifters will work

[@SineMacula]

@@international2408 Great thank you!

[@cruzenoob1422]

Hello I hope you still respond because this is a older video. So I have to change the lower intake gasket and since I don't have a push rod remover tool I'll have to loosen the rocker arms and remove the push rods. So you lubricate everything except you'r bolts holding down the rocker arms? I am not a mechanic, but how is the engine oil later on now loosening those bolts, is there any protection for that or it just won't happen? I'd be glad to hear from you, best regards

[@international2408]

@@cruzenoob1422 yea still respond, do you just have to change the intake gasket? If so you Don’t have to mess with the rockers or push rods at all

[@cruzenoob1422]

@@international2408 I am changing the lower intake gasket for a fiero v6, sadly the gasket is behind the push rods.

[@cruzenoob1422]

@@international2408 nvm I found the solution

[@TheKiddoBP]

So i have a stock 4.3 V6 , i decided to replace just the rocker arms .. ive torqued them all down to 20ft lbs , and only two of the push rods spin as of right now .. the rest are extremely stiff ... should i just let it ride (what could go wrong) .. or should i take them all back off and turn the motor over as i torque them down .. thanks

[@jasontrammell4674]

Thank you

[@chvydrptop]

Don't you have to also make sure the cylinder is down when installing the push rods?

[@international2408]

Making sure the piston is on bottom dead center is a good precaution if the engine is a high compression or a interference engine that had the lifters bench bled. This however is a low compression/non interference engine and everything was kept stock so there were no worries. I personally don't bench bleed my lifters and some camshaft companies don't recommend it.

[@chvydrptop]

+International 240 thanks for the explanation, much appreciated about to take the heads of a 5.9 Dodge Magnum Engine and then put new ones on.

[@loriratterman8371]

I have a 65 Mustang with a 200 inline 6. It has adjuster bolts that look like a hollow bolt with a ball attached to the end of them... but are all one piece. It doesn't offer me a place to add a picture. Anyway, have you ever worked on one like this? If you need a pic of the bolt, let me know where and I'll send you one. My questions... adjust them in full up position? How many lbs of torque? Oh... one of the heads came off one of the bolts and I can't get them anywhere... we had it welded back on and it seems to be fine. Put it back on, but just can't get it adjusted so that it's running smoothly. Still running a bit rich. Thanks!

[@international2408]

I have seen rocker adjustment bolts like that before, I haven't adjusted any with that style of bolt but I imagine they work like any other adjustable rocker arm. I don't have any background with ford 200's but every rocker I adjusted had to be open. A quick google search should provide the appropriate clearance and what position the cam and crank have to be in while the adjustment is made. Also verify if the lash measurement is supposed to be taken on a hot or cold engine. Typically it is done cold but i have ran into a few that required the engine at operating temperature for the measurements.

[@albertgreen4907]

hey not sure if you would know and if not, i appreciate your time and videos as always!! but i'm contemplating doing the pushrods in my 2007 ford f-250 diesel, i believe its an international/ford engine and somehow the pushrods are too long and needs to replaced with upgraded/shorter pushrods. can these pushrods also be changed without being tdc and its just remove the rocker and replace?? i am hoping its just that easy!!?? otherwise i will have to pull the cam and see how bad it is marred/damaged and if so, would also replace the lifters. i am not looking forward to this job!!! thanks!!

[@international2408]

Thanks! And I’m pretty familiar with 7.3 power stroke but not so much the 6.0, I do know that lifters can be a job in those engines. I believe you would be just fine pulling the pushrods out and replacing them, but when you have them all replaced I would turn the engine over by hand, I believe the 6.0 is an interference engine. My bet is you’ll be just fine since you are going with shorter push rods. Power stroke help is a pretty informative channel here on KZbin

[@nathanielbolden5053]

Great video bro!...very detailed 👌

[@international2408]

Thanks man, glad I could help!

[@davidkoon2030]

Im doing 302 HO 89 foxbody best way to adjust rockers stock rockers gt40p heads

[@jamesdaye7001]

I have a q , i have a 1992 s10 4.3 tbi are they non adjustables as well ?

[@randygunn9499]

thank you

[@international2408]

You're welcome, glad I could help.

[@Siccness831]

do both values need to be closed to install the rocker arms and push rods.. for some weird reason every time i torque them to 25lb they come loose? or are they just bolt on and go

[@international2408]

Yes you just bolt these on, no lash adjustment. Which component comes loose?

[@LuvOfInstruments]

I haven't turn the crank after removing the pushrods. I should be able to just drop them back in for installing and tightening? No need to turn the crank to get the push rods to a certain point?

[@international2408]

Yes just put them back in the way they came out, no need to turn the crank. These engines have hydraulic roller lifters, the plunger in the lifter will adjust itself to where it needs to be.

[@LuvOfInstruments]

@@international2408 I actually have a Jeep inline 4 but was watching for a sort of reference because I can't find great videos for my motor

[@international2408]

What year/ size is your engine? I don't have much of a background with jeep engines but after certain years alot of manufacturers went to hydraulic lifters. The only real time you have to worry about turning the crankshaft and setting valve lash is if the engine has solid lifters or adjustable rocker arms like in a small block chevy.

[@LuvOfInstruments]

I have an inline 4cyl. 2.5. it's a 98 but Jeep used the motor for centuries.

[@international2408]

Yea that should definitely be a hydraulic lifter, if the rockers have hold down bolts like mine then just tighten them down.

[@sg4218]

Any secret to it? Does it have to be at TDC? Is it normal for some Rocker arms to have less tension from the lifters?

[@international2408]

This particular engine didnt need to be at TDC, it was a non interference engine. i installed my lifters dry, and it takes a lot less force to tighten the hold down bolt when the lifters aren't completely full of oil. Yes its it's normal for some to have less tension if they aren't riding on the lobe and the valve is fully shut

[@sg4218]

International 240 awesome thank you! Should I turn the crank and torque the rocker arms bolts once the push rods at their highest position?

[@77cuti]

Thanks for the info

[@Gabriel.4190]

Can you install the rockers by only remove the valve cover while it's still in the vehicle with removing anything other than the valve cover.

[@international2408]

Yes all you need to remove is the valve cover. They are accessible with the engine in the vehicle.

[@Gabriel.4190]

@@international2408 appreciate I was considering doing myself but seems not as labor intensive as I thought. SBC have easily accessible rockers.

[@international2408]

Yes very easy. Small block Chevys are usually just a little bit easier because the block isn't angled quite as widely as an Oldsmobile, giving a little more room between the inner fender and the cylinder head.

[@jimsmitty6428]

International 240 I have the same pedestal rockers on my ford 302, I just dropped all my pushrods and rocker arms back in order how they came. But when I torque them down, the arms still feel loose and have side to side play. Am I doing something wrong?

[@international2408]

All of the rockers or just some of them?

[@jimsmitty6428]

Most of them. And the rest are stiff and those lifters bottom out. And they all change when I turn the crank Is that right?

[@international2408]

Yes that's fine. It sounds like the ones that are bottoming out are on the peak of the cam lobe. They change when you turn the crank because it also turns the cam, thus putting different lifters on the peaks of their cam lobes.

[@jimsmitty6428]

Thank you I just wanted to make sure that’s okay. I appreciate you replying back to me. I leaned a lot from this video. Thanks for all the info 👍🏼

[@international2408]

You're welcome, glad I could help

[@The.Irritations]

i am installing rockers on my Oldsmobile. Do I have to torque them to 25ft pounds in a certain order? Thank you so much!!!!!

[@international2408]

I snug them down until the rocker pedestals touch the head and then I torque them to 25 ft. Lbs. in one step.

[@The.Irritations]

I installed all my push rods and rockers on my 72 olds 350 and bam #5 intake push rod got bent and i can't get it out lol

[@international2408]

Man that sucks. Can you move the pushrod in and out or is it stuck solid?

[@ProjectCars69]

Dude all of my rods just snapped in my engine

[@you-nh8xo]

Would this be the same for a 4.3l sonoma engine?

[@therealblackyeti5791]

So I've got a 403 and and have a solid parts motor I can just pull the set off the other motor and reinstall and torque and be done

[@international2408]

I personally would buy new parts if I could, but If the parts from the spare engine are in good condition and new parts are out of the question then yes you can get away with doing that. If you do use the parts from the spare engine just make sure to keep the push rods, rockers and pedestals matched together.

[@therealblackyeti5791]

International 240 ok thanks I appreciate the info I'm gonna pull them 2morrow I've got one that's loose

[@international2408]

You are welcome

[@homegrownluv8106]

Does it matter if you mix up your push rods. I pulled both passenger and driver side out but was told they have to go back in the same spot. I have a gm 4.3 had a blown head gasket.

[@international2408]

Yes they have to go back in the same spot they came out of because of the way they wear.

[@homegrownluv8106]

International 240 so I more then likely have to buy new ones ?

[@homegrownluv8106]

International 240 one more question. Do I have to buy new head bolts even if the head wasn’t warped? Threads are solid and have no indication of corrosion.

[@international2408]

I would probably buy new push rods, they are pretty cheap. You could probably get away with reusing the head bolts, i have done it many times without problems.

[@homegrownluv8106]

International 240 thank you so much you’ve been a big help. Very appreciated. Enjoy your day.

[@texasgrown2021]

I have a 1981 Chevy c10. How can I tell if I need to replace my push rods on my 305 short block?

[@international2408]

Check the ends for wear, and roll them across something flat like a piece of glass to check if they are bent. Also check that the hole is clear so oil can pass through.

[@texasgrown2021]

@@international2408 well on one side oil is coming threw but on the other side no oil is coming out...

[@international2408]

Are you noticing this when priming the oil system? Or is this with the engine running?

[@texasgrown2021]

@@international2408 I don't have the engine init yet

[@texasgrown2021]

@@international2408 but when we turn the oil pump that's when it does that

[@brucejegferson4897]

i have a buick 350 does it go the same way n do i do i do the top dead center

[@international2408]

I did some valve train work on a Buick 455 I used to have and they are different from Oldsmobile engines. Instead of individual rocker pedestals they use a pipe that runs from one end of the cylinder head to the other that passes through all of the rocker arms. To find top dead center, find the mark on the harmonic balancer and turn the engine over until it lines up with 0 on the timing tab. The engine will be on top dead center exhaust or compression stroke. If the engine has a distributor in it, remove the cap and if the rotor is pointing at #1 spark plug terminal, it's on compression stroke. If is pointing at #6 terminal, it's on exhaust stroke and the engine will have to be turned over 360 degrees to be on the compression stroke.

[@jdowens3519]

nice

[@elektrikman34]

Can you replace the pushrods with just the valve covers off?

[@international2408]

Yes. The intake was off in this engine because it was in the middle of a rebuild

[@donaldduckdumb]

Yeah ,but you have to take the heads and intake off if you have to change the lifters. You cannot get the lifters out of each corner If the heads are still on.

[@international2408]

On this oldsmobile engine and a small block chevy engine the heads can remain on to remove the lifters/entire valve train

[@maniacalmonster2293]

why dont you clean the push rods?

[@international2408]

They are clean

[@purewhite84]

It's pretty cool you take the time to answer people. I have a vid of my truck running on my channel... can you check it out and tell me what it sounds like to you?

[@international2408]

Thanks man and yea I'll check it out

[@purewhite84]

@@international2408 Will a rod knock go away when the motor warms up? Sprayed a bit of starter fluid into to carb a few times then pulled the plug wires one at a time and I didn't notice any change while I pulled each wire but noticed about a min after I did this test the knock went away. So then turned the motor off for a few min and started it up and the noise was back then pulled the plug wire for the spark plug on the far back on the driver side and didn't notice a big change but about a min after I put it back on the noise went away again. Don't know if it matters but also was messing with the vacuum lines coming of the transmission. Noticed they had hoses cracked and not even contacted to stuff in a few places and was pinching it off to see no idea if that mattered though

[@international2408]

In my experience rod knocks are funny. Sometimes the engine will do it when its cold, sometimes it will make noise after the engine is fully warmed and the oil is thin. Just out of curiosity, does the truck have an oil pressure gauge? If so, what does it read? Is the oil on the dip stick read full and are there any shiny flakes of metal in the oil? The vacuum lines that go to the transmission should be for the modulator and they should be hooked up, it will cause a vacuum leak at the engine and will run poorly, also the modulator shifts gears according to engine load. If i were to try seafoam, I would probably try it in the crank case, sometimes marvel mystery oil or seafoam can free a dirty lifter.

[@purewhite84]

@@international2408 not sure the oil pressure gauge works. It goes up to 100 when I start the motor and it just shakes there till I turn off the motor. I actually hooked up all the vacuum lines and the knock went away. But now it back fires on acceleration

[@purewhite84]

@@international2408 back fires on acceleration and if you floor it it sputters near a hole in the exhaust under the drivers seat and almost dies but doesn't. But doesn't backfires unless I'm accelerating

[@prezes121984]

Shall pushrods spin after being torqued ?

[@international2408]

It depends on if the lifer is high on the cam lobe. If it is, it will have pressure against it and won't be able to spin, or won't be easy to spin. If the lifter is low on the cam lobe, it should spin.

[@prezes121984]

Shoud I rotate the engine according firing order during installation and adjustment rocker arms ?

[@international2408]

The rocker arms on Oldsmobile engines are non adjustable, if the lifters are dry you can just tighten the hold down bolts no matter what position the cam/crank is in. If the lifters are full of oil, it may take a little more effort to tighten down the hold down bolts because they have to bleed the oil out.

[@danielruelas3610]

was this a ford engine and what type

[@international2408]

daniel Ruelas This is a 307 Oldsmobile engine.

[@fuckoff7505]

.

[@robd7365]

Great video,What motor is this?

[@adrianzamora6785]

Hello.body.what vehicle is that?

[@international2408]

The engine is a 307 Oldsmobile out of a 1985 delta 88

[@fernandosoto6095]

Can u pix push rods with out a motor being Tooken out

[@international2408]

Yes. All you have to do is remove the valve covers, remove the rocker arms and pedestals and just pull the push rods out.

[@FreshKicks4545]

would this be similar to a 2.2 s10

[@international2408]

Angel Tapia Yes this should be similar to a 2.2L except I think instead of rocker arm pedestals and bridges like this 307 uses, the 2.2L uses a different set up. But it should be the same basic procedure.

[@abubakrhussain647]

What engine is this?

[@international2408]

307 Oldsmobile

[@pedritoc.c.t.665]

Help I have a 64 6cil Impala and one the push rads came off was little bend so I strained little and installed the lifter but I didn't see that clip . I will get new ones I get the money to buy all new so should I try to look for the clip and also it seem the same both ends so I just put it in car runs good but it won't turn like the other it does las the oil .