What do you use to check preload on PR???

[Rych232]

Don't have a micrometer. Is there a cheap easy way to check it??

[Flex]

You want to check how much pre-load you are getting right? Make sure the lifter is on the base circle of the cam lobe for the rocker you are working on. Slowly tighten the rocker bolt with one hand while you spin the pushrod with the other. When you feel drag on the pushrod stop. Take a straight edge like a ruler and place it on the valve cover surface so that it rests against the pushrods. Scratch the pushrod you are working on lightly with a sharp awl. Now tighten it all the way down until it is torqued to spec and make another mark on the pushrod. Measure the distance between the lines and that is your pre-load.

[Rych232]

Yeah I know that much, but I wanted to know what to use to actually measure the distance??? Is there a cheap guage I can buy?

[Flex]

Sorry bro. I just use a digital caliper in a pinch. It will get you close enough.

[Stone]

While Flex's idea works, I think just simply counting the turns of the bolt head is a more simply/easy way to check/set preload.

[Rych232]

While Flex's idea works, I think just simply counting the turns of the bolt head is a more simply/easy way to check/set preload.

Even for an aftermarket cam? Also, whats the range of turns I should be in??

[Thor]

ttt

[matthewneuharth]

once you feel that slight drag. you turn the bolt anywhere from 1/2 to 3/4 turn. and that will be fine for pre-load. thats what we do at work for all the rocker arm adjustments. no matter what cam. and thats how i adjuusted my rockers with myreground cam.

[Flex]

Matt,
That only works for adjustable rockers, not a fixed bolt that has to be torqued down in order to not back off. If the bolt reaches its required 25 ft lbs at that point, that would work. If it does not and the bolt is not torqued, it will slowly back off and vibration will shake it loose. Happened to one of the guys at TCCOA.

[matthewneuharth]

yea i know that. thats why you use shims. like i did. i got the push rods longer than they needed to be and then shimed the rockers up. and got them to where it was the right tq 25ft/lbs and also about 3/4 of a turn. trust me it works.