You might have noticed your engine acting a little strange and wondered what could be wrong. If pushrods in your engine are too long, it can cause many problems like noise, poor performance, or even damage. You want your engine to run smooth and strong, right? In this article, I will explain exactly what happens if pushrods are too long, how to spot the signs, and what to do to fix it. By the end, you’ll know how to keep your engine happy and healthy.
How Pushrods Work in Your Engine
Pushrods are small metal rods that help move parts inside your engine. They connect the camshaft at the bottom of the engine to the rocker arms at the top. The camshaft turns and pushes the pushrods up and down. This action opens and closes the engine’s valves, letting air and fuel in and exhaust gases out. If pushrods are the wrong size, the valves won’t open and close correctly.
Pushrods come in many sizes to fit different engines. If a pushrod is too long, it means it pushes too far or doesn’t fit right in the engine. This causes the valves to open more than they should or stay open when they should be closed. That can create noise and damage engine parts. When the valves do not work right, your engine loses power and can even break down.
One common problem with too-long pushrods is valve lash. Valve lash is the small gap between the pushrod and the valve. When pushrods are too long, this gap disappears or reverses. Without this space, the parts push too hard against each other. This creates a loud tapping or clicking sound when the engine runs.
Another issue is that the valves may not seal tightly. If valves don’t close properly, the engine loses compression and burns oil. This makes the engine run rough and uses more fuel. Over time, it can cause serious damage to the valves, seats, and other parts.
If you ever hear ticking sounds or notice your engine losing power, long pushrods could be the cause. Fixing them means choosing the right size and making sure the valve lash is correct. Mechanics often use special tools to measure pushrod length and adjust or replace them.
- Pushrods connect camshaft to rocker arms.
- Too-long pushrods open valves too much or keep them open.
- This causes valve lash problems, noise, and engine damage.
- Engine power drops, fuel use rises, and valves wear out.
- Fix by measuring and adjusting pushrod length.
Signs Your Pushrods Are Too Long
If pushrods are too long in your engine, you will notice some clear signs. The engine might make noise, work poorly, or even have trouble starting. Knowing these signs early can save you from big repairs.
First, listen carefully. A common noise is a loud ticking or clicking sound from the top of the engine. This happens because the valve parts are pushed too hard without the right gap. The noise gets louder when the engine is cold and might change when it warms up.
Next, you might see that the engine runs rough or misses. If valves don’t open and close at the right time, the engine can’t breathe properly. This makes it harder for the engine to produce power, and your car may feel sluggish.
Another sign is poor fuel economy. If the valves leak or don’t seal right, the engine burns more fuel than usual. You may notice you fill up the gas tank more often without driving more miles.
Sometimes, you might find oil leaks or smoke from the exhaust. Long pushrods can cause valves to leak oil into the combustion chamber. When this oil burns, you see smoke, especially when the engine is cold.
In some cases, the engine might overheat or stall. Valves that do not close fully cause poor engine compression, leading to overheating. The engine can also stall because it cannot maintain the right air and fuel mix.
Lastly, if you open the hood and see bent or damaged pushrods during a check, it is a clear sign they are too long or worn out.
- Loud ticking or clicking noise from engine top.
- Engine runs rough or loses power.
- Fuel use increases and gas mileage drops.
- Oil leaks or smoke from exhaust.
- Engine overheats or stalls.
- Bent or damaged pushrods visible.
What Damage Can Too-Long Pushrods Cause?
When pushrods are too long, the damage inside your engine can be serious. The engine’s valves, rocker arms, and camshaft all suffer because they are forced to work the wrong way. Let’s look at the damage you can expect.
First, the valves can get bent. Since the pushrod pushes the valve too far, the valve may hit the piston inside the engine. This is a heavy impact that bends the valve stem. Bent valves don’t close right, causing leaks and engine misfires.
Next, the rocker arms, which sit on top of the pushrods, get damaged too. They can wear down quickly from the extra pressure. This wears the metal surfaces and can lead to broken rocker arms, which stop the valve from moving.
The camshaft lobes, which push the pushrods, also wear out faster. Too-long pushrods push harder than they should, causing uneven wear on the cam lobes. Over time, this can ruin the camshaft, which is expensive to replace.
In some cases, the cylinder head can crack or warp because of the extra force inside. This damages the seals and causes coolant or oil leaks. If ignored, it can lead to overheating or engine failure.
Too-long pushrods can also damage the valve springs. The springs help the valves close after the pushrod pushes them open. If pushrods push too hard, springs can break or lose tension. Broken springs cause valves to stay open or move erratically.
All these damages can cause the engine to lose power, waste fuel, and eventually stop running. Fixing or replacing damaged parts can be costly, so catching pushrod length problems early is important.
- Valves can bend or hit pistons.
- Rocker arms wear down or break.
- Camshaft lobes wear unevenly.
- Cylinder head can crack or warp.
- Valve springs break or lose tension.
- Engine power drops, fuel waste increases.
How to Check If Pushrods Are Too Long
If you suspect your pushrods are too long, you can check them yourself or have a mechanic do it. It’s not very hard but does require some tools and patience.
First, you need to remove the valve cover. This lets you see the rocker arms and pushrods. Be sure the engine is cool and clean the area to avoid dirt getting inside.
Next, rotate the engine by hand using a wrench on the crankshaft bolt. Turn it slowly until the rocker arm for the cylinder you are checking is fully resting on the pushrod and the valve is closed. This is called the base circle of the camshaft.
Now, measure the gap or valve lash using a feeler gauge. If you don’t feel any gap or the gauge won’t fit, the pushrod might be too long. The correct gap depends on your engine’s manual, so look up the specs.
Another method is to remove the pushrod and place it on a flat surface to check if it is bent. A bent pushrod can also cause problems similar to being too long.
If you have a dial indicator, you can measure pushrod length accurately. Mechanics often use special tools called pushrod length checking tools to measure how far the pushrod pushes the valve.
If the pushrods are too long, the solution is to replace them with the right size or grind them down to fit. Do not guess the size; always check the engine’s specifications.
- Remove valve cover to see pushrods.
- Turn engine to camshaft base circle.
- Use feeler gauge to check valve lash.
- Remove and check pushrod straightness.
- Use dial indicator or pushrod length tool.
- Replace or adjust pushrods as needed.
How to Fix Too-Long Pushrods
Fixing pushrods that are too long means getting the right size and making sure they fit perfectly. It might sound complicated, but with the right tools and steps, you can do it or have a mechanic help.
First, you need to know the correct pushrod length for your engine. This information is usually in the repair manual or online. Never guess or use a pushrod that is not made for your engine.
Next, remove the old pushrods carefully. Keep them in order so you know which one goes where. Sometimes pushrods wear unevenly, so replacing all is a good idea.
Now, choose new pushrods with the correct length. If you can’t find the perfect length, adjustable pushrods or those that can be cut to size are available. Some mechanics use a pushrod grinder tool to make small length adjustments.
Before installing, double-check the pushrods for straightness and quality. Then, install them and adjust the valve lash using feeler gauges. It’s important to get the gap right to prevent noise and damage.
After installing, run the engine and listen for any ticking sounds. If you hear ticking, recheck the valve lash. You may need to fine-tune the adjustments.
If you are not comfortable with these steps, it’s best to take your car to a trusted mechanic. They have the tools and experience to fix pushrod issues properly.
- Find correct pushrod length from manual.
- Remove old pushrods in order.
- Get new pushrods or adjustable ones.
- Check pushrods for straightness.
- Install and adjust valve lash with feeler gauge.
- Test engine and fine-tune if needed.
Preventing Pushrod Problems in the Future
Once you fix your pushrods, you want to keep them working well for a long time. Preventing problems is easier than fixing big engine damage later.
First, always use the right parts for your engine. Using cheap or wrong pushrods can cause trouble quickly. Buy pushrods from trusted brands and make sure they fit your engine model.
Second, regular engine maintenance helps. Change your oil and filters often, and keep the valve cover clean. Dirty oil or debris can wear down pushrods and other parts faster.
Third, listen to your engine. If you hear unusual noises like ticking or knocking, check the valves and pushrods early. Don’t ignore sounds because they often mean small problems can become big ones.
Fourth, avoid hard driving when the engine is cold. Cold engines have tighter parts, and pushing them hard can cause wear. Let the engine warm up gently before driving fast or towing heavy loads.
Fifth, if you upgrade your engine with performance parts, remember that pushrods might need to be replaced with longer or stronger ones. Performance engines work harder and need special care.
Finally, have your engine checked by a mechanic regularly. They can spot early signs of pushrod problems and fix them before damage happens.
- Use correct, quality pushrods.
- Keep engine clean and change oil regularly.
- Listen for unusual engine noises.
- Warm engine gently before hard use.
- Upgrade pushrods with engine upgrades.
- Have regular mechanic checks.
Quick Guide
| Problem | Cause | Effect | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loud ticking noise | Pushrods too long | Valve lash gone, noise | Adjust or replace pushrods |
| Engine runs rough | Valves not opening properly | Poor power, fuel waste | Fix valve lash, check pushrods |
| Bent valves | Pushrods push too far | Engine misfire, leaks | Replace valves, check pushrods |
| Worn rocker arms | Excessive pressure | Broken parts, poor valve motion | Replace rocker arms, adjust lash |
| Engine overheating | Valve leaks, poor seal | Engine damage | Repair valves and pushrods |
| Increased fuel use | Valve leaks, poor timing | Poor fuel economy | Correct pushrod length |
Final Thoughts
Pushrods might be small, but if they are too long, they can cause big problems in your engine. From noisy ticking sounds to bent valves and engine damage, the effects are clear and costly. Knowing how pushrods work, spotting signs, and fixing them early can save you money and headaches. Always use the right parts and keep up with regular maintenance. Your engine will thank you by running smooth and strong for many miles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it normal for pushrods to make noise?
Some noise from pushrods is normal, especially when the engine is cold. However, loud ticking or clicking sounds often mean the pushrods are too long or valve lash is incorrect. If you hear loud noises, it’s best to check or have a mechanic inspect your engine to avoid damage.
Can I drive my car if pushrods are too long?
You can drive for a short time, but it’s not safe or smart to keep driving with too-long pushrods. The engine parts will wear faster, and you risk serious damage. Fixing the pushrods quickly helps keep your engine healthy and saves money.
Do I need special tools to check pushrod length?
Yes, some special tools like feeler gauges, dial indicators, or pushrod checking tools help measure pushrod length and valve lash. While you can do basic checks with simple tools, professional tools give the most accurate results.
Is it expensive to replace pushrods?
Replacing pushrods is usually not very expensive compared to other engine repairs. The cost depends on your engine type and labor charges. Using the right parts and fixing pushrod issues early can avoid costly repairs like bent valves or camshaft damage.
Can pushrods bend easily?
Pushrods can bend if they are too long or if the engine has a mechanical failure like a broken valve spring. Bent pushrods cause poor engine performance and noise. Regular checks help catch bent pushrods before they cause more damage.
Do I need to adjust valve lash after replacing pushrods?
Yes, after replacing pushrods, you must adjust valve lash to the correct gap. Proper valve lash ensures valves open and close properly, preventing noise and damage. Always follow your engine’s specifications for valve lash settings.
Is it okay to use adjustable pushrods?
Adjustable pushrods can be very useful, especially when finding the exact length is hard. They let you fine-tune valve lash for a perfect fit. Just make sure to use good quality adjustable pushrods and set them carefully.
Can too-long pushrods cause engine overheating?
Yes, if pushrods are too long, valves may not close fully, causing poor compression and overheating. Overheating damages the engine further. Fixing pushrods and valve issues helps keep the engine cool and running smoothly.
