Author Topic: How do i get the pushrod align without a aligment tool?  (Read 3253 times)

Online Radlan2

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Re: How do i get the pushrod align without a aligment tool?
« Reply #15 on: 30.04. 2025 13:16 »
    OK so here is my hot tip. In preparation for the job I "glue" the gasket to the rockerbox 24hrs or so before assembly, I use Threebond which dries and is better than silicon. It (or they) can be precisely positioned, nothing more disappointing than an oil leak or misalignment stopping a bolt going in correctly.
       Chris

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Re: How do i get the pushrod align without a aligment tool?
« Reply #16 on: 30.04. 2025 21:23 »
G'day Chris.
So you only glue one side of the gasket?
I'm just about to lift the rocker box off the Cafe today. A small leak front left so I'll re-tension the head while I'm in there. Lucky I have spare gaskets, I make my own 6 at a time.
Cheers
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Online Radlan2

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Re: How do i get the pushrod align without a aligment tool?
« Reply #17 on: 01.05. 2025 09:41 »
    Hi Musky, Guys. Yes I find using Threebond 1215 or Loctite SI 5699, both setting types of sealant and better than silicone, on the rocker box side of the gasket only, stop it creeping and make assembly so much easier.
     I apply a reasonably even amount and let it completely set, now the comb can be used and other tools for the tricky bit without every thing descending into a mucky mess as often happened to me before this method. I have never reused a rocker box gasket so I don't grease the other side. Along with the other points in this thread, and I particularly note Angus's about the inlet pushrod, which could be the reason I sometimes find it difficult, from now on it will be a piece of cake.
     Best Regs
          Chris

Offline bikerboy

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Re: How do i get the pushrod align without a aligment tool?
« Reply #18 on: 02.05. 2025 20:38 »
The one piece gaskets from srm are excellent I have yet to have one leak.

As I have said here before I rarely use the comb or eleastic bands and I never loosen the tappets unti lI have to adjust them. One of the inlet push rods at full height the other 3 all lo and just flip it on. If you have an alloy head its a lot more difficult and as for those two front nuts on the rocker box I find them harder than locating the push rods by a long way. I have an alloy head on my plunger with the head steady tubes going under those front nuts and they are a right f****** b******


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Offline BagONails

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Re: How do i get the pushrod align without a aligment tool?
« Reply #19 on: 03.05. 2025 01:32 »
I was surprised in the end after all the doom laden comments on the rocker box fitment. I didn't have the comb and kept it simple.

Undid the rocker adjusters and wound everything out. Stuck my gasket onto the rocker box first with 'Permatex Aviation' gasket goo, very much a Wellseal type product. It doesn't set but goes very tacky if you let it dry. Dropped my modified VW pushrods into the followers checking everything was seated properly with a spin of each pushrod and a gentle lift, you can feel the suction if the ball end is properly in the cup. I had prepared the rear studs earlier with hex key sockets in the end so they were engaged but sitting low which helps when maneuvering the RB into place.

I sat the pushrods into what looked like the best orientation to match the rocker cups and then fiddled the RB into place. I then found I could find each pushrod with my fingers and feel that the ball end was in place. I even deliberately misplaced one to feel the difference and you can!
Then took up the slack on any tappets that could be snugged up just to hold everything and then lightly hand tightened the holding down bolts and gently turned the motor over (plugs out) making sure each pushrod stayed engaged, again by feel. Once the RB was fully down I wound up the rear studs and fitted the nuts then the front nuts, which are tricky but glueing them to my finger with a dob of grease seemed to help.

Then it was a case of turning the motor over and going through the tappet setting procedure, torquing all the fasteners, then repeating the tappet setting and finally tightening the locknuts. All done with no comb, rubber bands, mirrors, bits of wire etc. really simple but to be fair I am still pretty flexible and have long fingers!  ;)
Ian
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