Rocker spacers and pushrods

[dodj]

So I'm installing a set of PRW stainless rockers today...or maybe tomorrow. Reading the instructions it says that mopar used a few different cylinder heads and spacers MAY BE REQ'D. How do I determine if I need a spacer? Just eye balling the roller tip with the valve stem? If so, it seems like a pita to do seeing as you would have to pull everything off the shaft to where you needed to add a spacer.

[dodj]

And one other thing. I have been told it is a good idea to buy new pushrods. How do I determine proper length? I put on stealth heads. I have an adjustable p-rod, but lack the knowledge on how to use it.

[cudabob496]

http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/116-0401-setting-pushrod-length/

[Chryco Psycho]

Yes it is a pain to get the spacer right You need to make sure the roller tip is centered on the valve tip , I usually use lash caps to increase the surface area & protect the valve tip , you want a little side play , .010 or so for heat expansion , & you can move the roller tip over slightly if the pushrod is too close to the casting of the intake port .
 To get the right pushrod length you have to be sure the lifter is on the back side of the lobe so as low as possible you want the adjuster set as high as possible then turn it down 2 full turns , put a feeler gauge in place for lash & measure the total distance left between the lifter & rocker , if this is using a solid lifter !
With hyd you need to preload the lifter so I would start with the adjuster 1 turn down from topped out'
 I would order pushrods from Smith Bros in Bend OR , great service & fast .

[dodj]

you want a little side play , .010 or so for heat expansion , & you can move the roller tip over slightly if the pushrod is too close to the casting of the intake port .

So if i understand correctly, in the below pic, I need to insert enough spacer to fill up the gaps on eith side of the rocker pair except for about 10 thou?

[Chryco Psycho]

Yes , with everything in place you can fit the spacers by inserting them in the gaps & slide them all on the shaft in one step if you keep them seperated in order

[dodj]

Yes , with everything in place you can fit the spacers by inserting them in the gaps & slide them all on the shaft in one step if you keep them seperated in order

Thnx CP.

[dodj]

With hyd you need to preload the lifter so I would start with the adjuster 1 turn down from topped out'
 I would order pushrods from Smith Bros in Bend OR , great service & fast .

So with the lifter riding on the base circle of the cam, and the rocker adjuster one full turn from topped out, I expand the adjustable push rod to just fill that distance. Then remove the rockers, take out the adjustable push rod, measure it,  and then that is the length of pushrod I need to order?

[Chryco Psycho]

With hyd cam yes

[dodj]

Excellent. Thanks again CP. 

[dodj]

Last couple of questions (hopefully).
Should I use loctite or something on the rocker shaft studs?

[Chryco Psycho]

I used grade 8 bolts torqued & never bothered with the studs , no harm in locktite on them into the head though , just do NOT over torque the nuts & oval the shafts !

[Strawdawg]

Sand the rocker adjuster one full turn from topped out,

What does that mean?

[dodj]

What does that mean?

I think it means your computer somehow inserted an 's' into my text, I guess?

[Strawdawg]

okay, what does topped out mean?  Is that a term that means one thread emerging thru the rocker arm on the pushrod side?