• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech

When installing rockerarms should I be able to turn or roll the push rods?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Pokageek
  • Start date Start date Dec 4, 2005

Pokageek

Active Member
Jun 10, 2005
2,767
0
46
MA, USA
Dec 4, 2005
#1
  • Dec 4, 2005
  • #1
Are they too tight? Installing the trick flow heads and rocker arms. Zero lash and 3/4 of a turn like the directions state but shouldn't I be able to turn or twist the push rods when they are on their stroke? Once I relieve the valves by turning the crank I can turn the pushrods by hand but when it is in that valve's stroke, I can't twist them by hand. Does that mean they are too tight? Does it matter? Thanks,
 

CManT1914

New Member
Feb 5, 2004
3,172
2
0
Killeen, Texas
Dec 4, 2005
#2
  • Dec 4, 2005
  • #2
When the valve is closed, the rods should spin as there's no pressure on them. Once the valve starts to open, they should no longer spin, as there is pressure on them from the cam. At least that's the way mine were.

FWIW, I tried like 7 different times to set the lash on my rockers before getting it right. They were a PITA, but it was also 3am, and I was going into my 27th hour working on the stang, lol.
 

rustang94

Member
Dec 2, 2003
281
0
16
Milwaukee WI.
Dec 4, 2005
#3
  • Dec 4, 2005
  • #3
CManT1914 said:
When the valve is closed, the rods should spin as there's no pressure on them. Once the valve starts to open, they should no longer spin, as there is pressure on them from the cam. At least that's the way mine were.

FWIW, I tried like 7 different times to set the lash on my rockers before getting it right. They were a PITA, but it was also 3am, and I was going into my 27th hour working on the stang, lol.
Click to expand...
 

Pokageek

Active Member
Jun 10, 2005
2,767
0
46
MA, USA
Dec 4, 2005
#4
  • Dec 4, 2005
  • #4
CManT1914 said:
When the valve is closed, the rods should spin as there's no pressure on them. Once the valve starts to open, they should no longer spin, as there is pressure on them from the cam. At least that's the way mine were.

FWIW, I tried like 7 different times to set the lash on my rockers before getting it right. They were a PITA, but it was also 3am, and I was going into my 27th hour working on the stang, lol.
Click to expand...

You can say that again man, lol. I had called someone after posting this and you are correct. Just FYI for anyone else, zero lash is set properly on the intake valve by turning the crank when the lifter is all the way down and once the exhaust lifter begins to go up, you spin the rocker nut until you can feel the pushrod start to become harder to turn. Then you tighten the rocker nut 1/2-3/4 turn on per instructions then lock it down.
 

CManT1914

New Member
Feb 5, 2004
3,172
2
0
Killeen, Texas
Dec 4, 2005
#5
  • Dec 4, 2005
  • #5
Pokageek said:
You can say that again man, lol. I had called someone after posting this and you are correct. Just FYI for anyone else, zero lash is set properly on the intake valve by turning the crank when the lifter is all the way down and once the exhaust lifter begins to go up, you spin the rocker nut until you can feel the pushrod start to become harder to turn. Then you tighten the rocker nut 1/2-3/4 turn on per instructions then lock it down.
Click to expand...

I was once told that the proper way of locking down the rocker, was to turn both the fulcrum nut and the locking nut at the same time until they're tight. I did it like you said and they haven't come loose on me yet though, so I guess both ways work, lol.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

G
Engine Pushrod Length Question
  • germain101
  • Sep 22, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
12
Views
586
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Sep 25, 2025
Noobz347
A
Rough idle - cylinder 1 and 6 misfire HELP
  • austindavies935
  • Jul 24, 2025
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
12
Views
725
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Jul 24, 2025
gkomo
6
Hey all,I’m putting together a 302 for my 1968 Mustang and wanted to post the combo + some questions to make sure I’m not missing crucial
  • 68_Disgustang
  • Feb 22, 2026
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
903
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Jun 20, 2026
gray owl
G
Engine Valve and or rocker noise .....new to this but dont mind getting my hands dirty.
  • mustang matt 1993
  • Jun 29, 2024
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
16
Views
2K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jul 1, 2024
rednotch
Drivetrain 83’ Glx convertible C5 Trans help!
  • JacksonJared2113
  • Dec 25, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
2
Views
396
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Dec 26, 2025
JacksonJared2113
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?