When installing pushrods, with the engine in the car, I can't tell? ea81.

Shine a light through the openings in the head that the pushrods go through, you should see the ends of all 4 lifters. As you put the push rods in, just have a light handy so you can see where you are putting the end of the rod. Once they are in the right spot, it just "feels right". Hope that helps.

 

Edit: Just realized you are talking about in-car. Start from one side and "feel" with the end of the pushrod for the first lifter. It should slip into the recess end of the lifter, and then not slide around anymore inside. Then just work your way over.

Edited December 10, 201114 yr by 6 Star

Thanks, figured it out. It's a "feel" thing. Generally they stay in place as you install the rocker arm?

They should stay in place while the rocker arms go in. When I have the rocker arm "body/cradle" thing in place, ready to be tightened down, I like to turn the little valve adjuster arms down so that the outside ends of the pushrods are supported and will line up in the end. I'm not adjusting the valve screws, just pushing the arms because they rotate freely on the cradle.

They should stay in place while the rocker arms go in. When I have the rocker arm "body/cradle" thing in place, ready to be tightened down, I like to turn the little valve adjuster arms down so that the outside ends of the pushrods are supported and will line up in the end. I'm not adjusting the valve screws, just pushing the arms because they rotate freely on the cradle.

 

 

Thanks for the advice uber I shall give it a shot in the morning.

1st time I swapped heads out with the engine in a BRAT, I used a small mirror & penlight to make sure they were where they should be. I wasn't real comfortable going with just the feel of it.

Okay I did this today and thanks for the advice. I found installing the rocker arms to be a complete PITA. The pushrods did not want to stay in the lifters and it just plain sucked. Would be a breeze with the engine on a workbench. the lift kit doesn't help, less room to work with and the holes in the frame for the long bolts don't line up. A good mirror on a long handle and a little bendy light made it possible, but not fun.

 

Seriously, thanks, I would have botched this without you guys advice.