So I just started up the coupe today for the first time this season, and a loud ticking noise from the passenger side valve train. At first I thought it might be a stuck lifter. When I pulled the valve cover, one of the pushrods was gone ! Looking down into the valley, I saw it lying in the valley, obviously bent. Turns out the mounting bolt for my Moon breather hit the rocker arm. How it ended up down there is a mystery to me. Anyway, I’m gonna pull the intake tomorrow and see what else might have been damaged. My question is, what size pushrods fit this engine. It’s a crate 290 hp. Serial # 12499529z. Can’t seem to find the part number for a pushrod. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks
A SBC flat tappet cam will use 7.800 long pushrods and OEM Chevy roller cams use 7.200. Your 350/290 has a flat tappet cam.
If the lifter is still in its bore, I would just fish that pushrod out with a magnet and replace it. can't think of a good reason to pull the intake....
Ha ! Been trying to get it out but so far haven’t tried a magnetic probe yet. Thanks, I’ll try that tomorrow, however I’m concerned other damage might have been done. Might pull the intake to be sure
can't imagine what else could happen... the pushrod took all the damage when it bent I would think...
Go to Rock Auto,and check several different late 70"s- early 80"s 350 engines for push rod. I bet you find they used one part number for many years.
You know, it’s the ‘what model is it from, year etc’ is what you get at auto parts places around here unfortunately
I'm thinking it might be the first one listed on the page below. https://www.chevrolet.com/performance-parts/components/engine/small-block/pushrods The Power Book used to list charts for the component parts for their crate engines by assembly part numbers. But you might need to find an older copy of the Power Book to find your engine listed.
I have the spec sheets for that engine. The Chevrolet part number is 14095256. Available lots of places.
From looking at the first pic,,,,the lifter is still in the bore . There is a very large access window in the head,,,,,,you can see clearly down in there . Buy a telescopic magnet,,,,,,that pushrod will come right out through the window . While that valve cover is off,,,,,,loosen the rocker beside it,,,,and remove that pushrod . There is your example for the length measurement . To aid in adjusting the rockers back,,,,,,,,count how many full revolutions you turn the nut . Then you know where to put it back to ,,,,,easy as pie ! Everything should be fine,,,,,by the way,,,,,,,use that same procedure to adjust the rocker with new pushrod too . Tommy
How about a full new set - sbc pushrods are about as inexpensive as parts get. The ones in there can't be great. How'd it get bent? May still have other issues with lifter or valvetrain.
Click the link below to find the build sheet of component parts for your engine assembly, and a few other Chevy crate engines. https://paceperformance.com/p-3982-gm-crate-engine-parts-list.html Click the link to download the file for your specific engine. The slightly strange part is that the info is laid out as a spreadsheet (.xls) file instead of the more commonly used .pdf format. If you're using Windows and have Office installed you're good to go. If not, you can probably open it with XLS Viewer which you may already have depending on which version of Windows you're using. Here's a link to download a free copy of XLS Viewer if needed. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/xls-viewer-free/9nblggh6hbf5?activetab=pivot:overviewtab You can also use LibreOffice, a freeware version of Microsoft Office that might have already been installed on your computer.
Thank you very much !! I couldn’t find that online. I’m going to try to fish it out today. But the info you sent is really what I need. Thanks again, much appreciated
Call Summit, they will have the pushrods you need . You will most likely have to buy a set but it's not a lot of $. I would check that rocker arm as well.
From the PDF sheet for that engine, although you may have already got this info. 14095256 16 Rod Asm, Vlv Push http://www.crateenginedepot.com/pdfs/350-290_HP_Engine_Base.pdf
I realize this a new crate engine but if I was in this situation I’d buy one new p/r from Advance Auto Parts, they list them at $1.99 each. They could be a low volume item being closed out from their inventory. Genuine GM parts average $14 or so for one pushrod, sounds ridiculous to me. I would even put a used one in as long as it was 7.800, the ends were smooth and it was clean inside. JMO.
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