This seems to be the topic of the year. My problem seems to different than what I've been reading. So I figured I'd make my own thread instead of jacking the other one.
It's the same heads and cam I used on my 6.0. (in my sig) I'm installing on my new 408 from Texas Speed.
I bought the length checker tool. I checked 4 different spots and made sure I was on the base of the cam. I came up with 8 turns each time.
8x .050= .4 +6.8= 7.2 + preload. That's a pretty short pushrod. Any idea what I'm doing wrong???
I've been running 7.4" for years. I never used the length checker before and this is what I'm coming up with.

Today I tried the 7.4" and saw that the valve was opening more than when I used the checker tool opened to 7.275" .

Thanks,
Mike

 

Was your block decked? What is the thickness of your head gaskets? What rockers are you using?

 

Not sure if the block was decked. Is that something the would do to a new block?
I think stock thickness gasket. Using stock rockers.
Should I be seeing the valve opening up more with the different size pushrods?

 

No, the valve won't move much because you are pushing the oil out when you are installing the pushrods. Just follow the install procedure and don't go by watching the valve.

 

I can see the valve open and it seems like it opens more with the 7.4 that's why I asked. Not sure if it's my imagination. Also not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. From what I can see the valve is closing all of the way.
Do you think I actually need the pushrods that short. It is what the checker tool is telling me. I just haven't read about anybody using anything that short. 7.2+preload

Thanks for your help

 

I tried the turn method and I must say I Don't trust it so instead I used a dial indicator, and what I measured with my checker tool and what the indicator said we're spot on.... The turn method was not. Just my .02

Reads backwards...

 

In my original post, I was referring to turns on the checker tool. Are you saying your checker and dial were exactly the same?
I still would like someone to explain why I need smaller pushrods than everyone on this forum. Maybe I'm just paranoid. I just want to be 110% sure before I order the 7.25ish pushrods.

Thanks

 

I would check preload with a different method. I have never heard of a 7.25" pushrod in one of our trucks.

 

Have your heads been milled any?

I use 7.3" pushrods on my 402 since my heads were milled some, and there was a slight mill on the deck surface. Trust your measurements.

 

Yeah I thought you were referring to the torque method when you said turns... I agree you might want to see if the block had ever been decked.