Stuck push rod
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 31
Likes: 3
From: Indianapolis
I recently replaced a new set of S&S performance lifters with less than 3K miles on them because I could not get the front intake to stop ticking and performance issues at higher rpms. I was not sure if it was the lifter or the older used SE adjustable pushrods I installed so I replaced it all with new SE performance lifters and SE taper adjustable pushrods...problem solved. I could not see anything wrong with the pushrods so I believe it was the S&S lifters at fault.
Hmm good to know, my lifters have that type of mileage as well. I was toying with idea of Screaming Eagle as well
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Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Texas
I have not removed the cam cover yet, I wanted to remove the rocker covers just to check everything. Plus I think the adjustable pushrods are still easier to remove through rocker then to try to take the lifter cover off. I have never been able to get the pushrods back in that way.
Curious why ask if I remove the cam cover? Should I?
Curious why ask if I remove the cam cover? Should I?
Pulling the rocker covers and rockers makes sense considering what you have described, but why would you have difficulty getting adjustable pushrods in and out without pulling the lifter covers and rockers???
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 31
Likes: 3
From: Indianapolis
probably because you have indicated that something went wrong in the valve train...looking in the cam chest to make sure all is good there is cheap preventative insurance...
Pulling the rocker covers and rockers makes sense considering what you have described, but why would you have difficulty getting adjustable pushrods in and out without pulling the lifter covers and rockers???
Pulling the rocker covers and rockers makes sense considering what you have described, but why would you have difficulty getting adjustable pushrods in and out without pulling the lifter covers and rockers???
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Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Beyond Fucital
I have not removed the cam cover yet, I wanted to remove the rocker covers just to check everything. Plus I think the adjustable pushrods are still easier to remove through rocker then to try to take the lifter cover off. I have never been able to get the pushrods back in that way.
Curious why ask if I remove the cam cover? Should I?
Curious why ask if I remove the cam cover? Should I?
If the lifter was indeed stuck in the lifter you need to check the lifter. And you can't adjust adjustable pushrods correctly before you install them if you're doing it from the rocker box. It's impossible. The adjustment starts with removing the play between the lifter and the rocker. Then 4 turns. Then lock it down. Who knows what you had?
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Joined: Apr 2015
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Just curious if you installed new tappets when you installed the pushrods and lifters. If I had a stuck pushrod, like you describe, I'd want to take a look at the tappet to determine why the pushrod was stuck. I'm thinking the tappet is damaged.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 31
Likes: 3
From: Indianapolis
If the lifter was indeed stuck in the lifter you need to check the lifter. And you can't adjust adjustable pushrods correctly before you install them if you're doing it from the rocker box. It's impossible. The adjustment starts with removing the play between the lifter and the rocker. Then 4 turns. Then lock it down. Who knows what you had?
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2019
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From: Indianapolis
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Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Texas
I changed to the SE performance lifters because everything in this engine build was SE except the lifters and the only issue I have had is with the valve train noise and what felt to me like lifter failures at high rpms on hard runs. The used SE adjustable pushrods had about 5K miles on them and the S&S lifters were new. I could not get rid of the tick and it seemed to be getting worse after hard fast runs.
I also discovered that the SE performance tappets are stock parts on TC103s
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 31
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From: Indianapolis
are you using pushrod covers for adjustable pushrods? They are made to facilitate easy adjusting of the pushrods... I have used Colony and SE covers and did not have to pull the tappet covers to remove and install the pushrods.
I changed to the SE performance lifters because everything in this engine build was SE except the lifters and the only issue I have had is with the valve train noise and what felt to me like lifter failures at high rpms on hard runs. The used SE adjustable pushrods had about 5K miles on them and the S&S lifters were new. I could not get rid of the tick and it seemed to be getting worse after hard fast runs.
I also discovered that the SE performance tappets are stock parts on TC103s
I changed to the SE performance lifters because everything in this engine build was SE except the lifters and the only issue I have had is with the valve train noise and what felt to me like lifter failures at high rpms on hard runs. The used SE adjustable pushrods had about 5K miles on them and the S&S lifters were new. I could not get rid of the tick and it seemed to be getting worse after hard fast runs.
I also discovered that the SE performance tappets are stock parts on TC103s
Yes I have the proper push rod covers for the adjustable push rods. The pushrods do no collapse enough to allow me to put them into the rockers and into the tappet covers. Youre supposed to be able to just remove the tappet covers and install then adjust the push rods. So far my attempts to do that have failed. I can get the intake one in that way but no matter which way I angle it I cant get the exhaust one in so I end up pulling the rockers