There's a lot of conflicting info out on the web concerning this. The solid vs hydraulic stems around concern that the hydraulic might collapse. Weaker springs covers the same thought process. One summit YouTube video says rotate several times to pump up the hydraulic lifter. Really want to make sure I get this right. Thanks for the info Adobe.

 

You're not going to pump up the lifter by hand rotating the motor, and you can't run the motor because you don't have any pushrods and you can't set the valve lash with weaker springs.

I've done this at least a half dozen times over the years using the method I posted a link to, I even go as far as re-checking after the motor has run awhile to make sure I ordered the correct length push rod...Been dead nuts on every time.

I'm **** as %&$# about my valve train...Especially spinning a 408 to 7200 rpm with a .640 solid roller cam.

 

You can take a lifter apart and put washers in there turning it into a solid lifter. Most the time this is used to degree the cam in but can be used to set up the correct p-rod length. You can Add/Remove washer to achieve the lash spec your looking for.

 

But why measure for PRs with a solid lifter if you are running Hydros?


My engine builder measured one set for me while he was building the 408 short block, he did it the same as the link I posted...Lifters don't need to be pumped up to measure for PRs or to set lash...


I run solid roller lifters now, gotta love a feeler gauge.

 

Did you figure out what the best valve spring compressor to use is? I need to know, replacing my heads with eq monster magnums and doing port matching. What's the best one?

 

Sorry, still working on it. Way too many options out there. :-)

 

Finally found time to measure the pushrods. Ran into another issue, although I may be over thinking this. With everything torqued appropriately, valves completely closed, the Hughes shaft mounted rockets are sitting on the inside edge of the valve stem. When I start extending the pushrod length checking tool, the valve spring starts compressing. Theoretically, this indicates the valve will be opened slightly when proper alignment is obtained and it's supposed to be completely closed. Is shimming the pedestal appropriate to move the roller more center?

 

Shimming the pedestal will only work if you have more travel on your lifters..... are those rockers adjustable?

 

They are. The picture is without pushrods installed.

 

Install your pushrods, and see how things line up..... do a static adjustment first, see how it looks.