Installing Pushrods

Now you must make sure the crankshaft is rotated to the proper TDC for each cylinder--in turn--as you work on them:

• For the rear cylinder-- The cam drive/driven gears can be easily aligned to their 'timing dots' to create TDC.
• For the front cylinder-- Either align the cam drive/driven gears per the service manual, or align the timing mark in the timing cover (on the left side of the engine, per the service manual). Note: I used both these methods. I wanted to be certain I had the right spot.

You may skip the following instruction on pushrod adjustment in either of the following situations:

• You have fixed length pushrods.
• You are reusing adjustables, but all the following apply:
  • You have not loosened the adjustment nuts.
  • You have not had your valves out.
  • You are reusing your cams.
  • You are reusing your lifters.
  • You are happy with their current length.

Use a pair of 10mm open-end wrenches to loosen the adjuster on the end, and then shorten the rod as much as possible. See photo below. Lube the ends of pushrods with two drops of motor oil.

Tip: Only install and adjust the pushrods for one cylinder at a time. Otherwise you will need to rotate the crankshaft to each cylinder's TDC marks, multiple times.

Now install the pushrods for the current cylinder, by lowering each one down the tube. If you have adjustable pushrods, be sure you install them with the adjuster ends up. If you are reusing pushrods -- whether adjustable or fixed -- be sure you orient them the same way (and in the same position) they came out. If you are installing pushrods for a 2004+ (1700 type) engine, be sure you install the single, longer pushrod into the rear cylinder's intake (outer, right) position.

Watch down the tube to guide each rod down to the center of its lifter. Be very sure that the outer rod goes to the intake rocker (toward the engine's intake (center)), and the inner rod goes to the exhaust rocker (toward the engine's exhaust port). See the service manual for details.

Next, push down firmly on the top of the rod so that you can slip it under the rocker arm. Be careful not to scar the ball on top of the pushrod as you do this.

Tip: As an alternative to pushing down on the pushrods to install them -- or if you have not bled down your lifters -- you can use a large, adjustable, open-end wrench (like a Crescent) on the flats that are molded into the rocker barrels. This will allow you to rotate the rockers up enough to easily slip the pushrods under their rocker arms.

Your pushrods should now look similar to the photo below. Your’s may look a little different if you’re using stock or fixed-length pushrods.

Take picts.