How to check push rod length. Plain English

The engine is a Ford 302 with aftermarket cam and aftermarket heads. This is my second time redoing this engine after only putting 1000 miles on it. I used factory length pushrods the first time and made other mistakes which led to its failure. I have spent a few months disecting this disaster until I fully understood where I went wrong. I learn by seeing and I thought a video may help other beginners avoid this mistake. I used a 7701 push rod length tool made by comp cams, ordered from Summit Racing.

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• push rod lenth
• push rod length tool
• checking push rod length

[ted850760]

so ...let me get this straight ...you total experience is ..your failure to do it right the first time and your not running 'Don't know if I screwed it a second time' ...you gotta love you tube

[a95850]

Who claimed to have tons of experience? Figured out the right way on my own and thought I would share it to help others. I'm going back out to work on my car now why you sit at your computer slamming people, thinking, hoping, and wishing that you had a life at 55 years old? geeze!

[rowemania21]

thanks a lot bud I've been building a 460 and even after talking to a couple people who've done this I was still unclear on a few things..the video was perfect

[a95850]

I want to try to do more vids. If you want something specific, let me know.

[jonbar87]

@ted850760 give the guy a break. He took time out of HIS day to try and help someone by learning from his mistakes and you're getting onto him? WOW. You're pathetic.

Thank you a9580 for posting the video!

[wolfofworld]

I was just wondering this because on Jeggs I was looking at new cylender heads and it says I may need .100 or something like that , longer push rods. Thanks.

[gholy2743]

I was under the impression the length should be checked when the intake lifter goes up and back down and the piston is at TDC , you have to continue to turn the crank a bit. This is also the proper time to install both the intake and exhaust rocker. Thoughts?

[Drivelikeustoleit]

Very informative and many thanks for taking the time to share your experience, much appreciated.

[blackstang100]

I came up with the same pushrod legth (6.35) so far have not been finding that length what did u use? Im doing this on some old castings twisted wedge heads

[gunforme]

Not to nit pick, but your pattern on the valve tip appeared to be very narrow and only in the center. It would lead me to think your not getting the full swing and thus may not be getting the full potential lift from your cam. Now I could be wrong as it was kind of hard to see from the video, but that is what it looked like. Also, for anyone new to this, when you first start and are looking for the exhaust valve to open, a dial indicator can be really helpful to see when it first starts to open.

[331lilcoupe]

do u remember what size of push rod did u get??

[slt223]

Nice vid man.  Gets right to the point. Thanks!

[curtknows101]

@ChrisXCXCX No just one cylinder, i believe his mark theory is backwards tho, to long and the mark will be at the top of the valve and to short and it will be near the bottom, correct me if im wrong, no matter how old and experienced you are you never quit learning, and many things you learn two or three times, experience is something you get just after you need it!!!!

[Drives88]

Nice video, but you have to use a solid lifter to get the proper pushrod length, which would make your pushrod shorter again.

[chucksrt]

nice video!! this is exactly what the first time builder needs to see. The haters need to post their superior video or just shut up!! Everyone has a different way to do things and this is his way!