I am searching for a definitive answer as to how many turns/flats I need to adjust the push rods to set the preload on my tappets. I am using the old-style Crane Time Savers that are 24 tpi. My lifters are Revtech. I see post that say anything from 2.4 turns to 3.6 turns. Thats a big difference. Can someone please tell me for sure where I need to set the pre-load? Right now, I have them adjusted 2 1/2 turns. Thanks!

 

Shooting for about .120" preload is nice, so .120 x 24 = 2.88 turns.

 

That's the thing, you will get different answers.
I set mine to 0.140"
Anywhere between 0.120" and 0.140" will be ok.
Set to 0.120" if you think you have noise there give them some more, that's why I just go to 0.140" straight off

 

Yes, that is the confusing part. Too many different answers. This is mky engine with the preload set at 2 1/2 turns using my 24 tpi push rods.

 

24TPI pushrods travel .0417" per turn, so use that and, as has been suggested, set preload between .120"-140". I can't speak to the Rev Tech liters and their quality. Are you sure you adjusted with the lifters on the base circle of the cam? To be sure, set the piston at TDC on the compression stroke and adjust again.

 

I did adjust them on the base circle with the engine cold, first thing in the morning. I'll go back tomorrow morning and add another 5 flats .

 

Perhaps you have a bad lifter.

Sometimes the pushrod covers hit the pushrods. Wiggle the pushrod covers while running.

Or a bent pushrod?

 

Im not concerned with the noise. It sounds fine and the lifters are fine. I just want to adjust the proper pre-load. If .120" depth is where I need to be, thats what I'll go with. I just dont want to grenade the engine by incorrectly setting the pre-load. I would like to hear from mechanics that do this stuff every day. Thanks

 

well you're good to go then, your question has been answered !!

 

Our methodology here is to load deeper, but as long as you have quiet operation let-r-rip.
Scott