I bought a gmc 302 that was a high dollar build from Fresno California. It has changed hands a few times but was originally built by Joe Bogosian I am told. I took the valve cover off and there is a chipped pushrod on the end. They are obviously aftermarket and i need to replace it. Where do I find one that matches. I can remove it to measure length. Also, I am not sure you can see it in the pic, but the rocker shaft supports on this engine are cast aluminum (all of my other gmc 302's have stamped steel one and the one on this engine with the oil tube coming out of it is stamped steel) and this one pictured has a crack running up it. Should I just replace it with one of my stamped steel ones? Replace them all with my stamped steel ones out of another engine I have?
It looks like more than one chipped pushrod end. I bought mine from Smith Bros. They were an insert in either end of a 3/8th tube. Worked fine with the stock rocker adjusters and never "chipped". I also always ran the steel stamper stands and if I were you I would go with them. I saw some of the cast aluminum stands. Think they were from an early version 220-270 type motor. Looked cool but I never used them. Ran mine for years on the salt, at the dirt and a few times at the strip. Smith Bros. PS I never put a lock washer against aluminum.
Hey Rich, I was hoping you would see this. I will replace them with my steel ones. Not sure what the valves or cam is but there are 2 valve springs on each valve. I guessing I don't need to use a stock pushrod, right? Also, what are the two wires on the HEI distributor? Tach? 12v power?
over the years I learned the old adage that most times you have valve train damage you have too weak valve springs has too often been revealed to be true. Damage comes from separation of parts and their remeeting at higher RPM. I used manton for custom pushrods. don
Are you sure that's a crack and not just a casting line? Maybe I'm not seeing the crack you're referring to....
As far as the pushrods go, I am sure you are right. But they do look as though some one may have skipped the draw part of a two part heat treat.
I cannot add anything else than what the others have said about the issues with your engine. I was only just looking at your coupe project thread. What I can say about your project is - has there been any progress since your last post in July 2013
Sadly, not much. chopped down my windshield, made headlight bar and shock mounts. This engine is going to get me re-energized to get going again.
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