That's right folks, I'm finally doing it. Its not really something I want to do (ok, so that's a lie), but almost something I have to do. So here is the story...
Decided to finally break out the checking pushrod so I could order some custom pushrods to match my regrind. Decided to do #4 cylinder vice #1 just cause it seemed easier. Started with the exhaust side... Figured out the zero lash point, added 0.040" and then checked for preload. Came up with 0.15", which seemed correct (verified with Chris White as well). Oddly, the length came out to 5.7" (stock is 5.68"). Moved on to the intake side. And that is where the problems started. Figured out the size (once again, 6.02" vs 6.00" for stock), then check preload. Nothing... That's right, tightened down the rocker and the pushrod didn't move. Came to 2 conclusions... failed lifter or fucked lobe on the regrind. The lifters were all replaced less than a year ago when I failed a bunch of them by digging into the lower manifold with the rockers. There is a chance that the lifter failed again, but for what reason? #4 cylinder was one of the cylinders that dug into the manifold, so there could easily be more damage there than I found.
Ok, so why swap to a 3400 instead of just fixing this engine? Several reasons... I will probably spend a minimum of $100 fixing this problem cause I would definately check all the lifters. Then with gaskets, blah, blah... Then there is the chance that it may be deeper and that $100 would just be a temporary fix. I can get a 3400 for between $500-750 this week and have at least a dozen to choose from. Those who have seen my car before know it isn't the smoothest running car by far. There is another reason... If I was the only person driving it, it would be one thing. But my soon-to-be wife also has to drive it every now and then, and I personnally just don't trust it all that much. The 3400 is just a logical swap.
Anyway, enough of the rambling. I just wanted everyone to know. I plan on documenting this for everyone. Brian (brian89gp) is coming over this weekend and we'll start on Sat night and hopefully have it running by Sun night. Should be interesting...
Decided to finally break out the checking pushrod so I could order some custom pushrods to match my regrind. Decided to do #4 cylinder vice #1 just cause it seemed easier. Started with the exhaust side... Figured out the zero lash point, added 0.040" and then checked for preload. Came up with 0.15", which seemed correct (verified with Chris White as well). Oddly, the length came out to 5.7" (stock is 5.68"). Moved on to the intake side. And that is where the problems started. Figured out the size (once again, 6.02" vs 6.00" for stock), then check preload. Nothing... That's right, tightened down the rocker and the pushrod didn't move. Came to 2 conclusions... failed lifter or fucked lobe on the regrind. The lifters were all replaced less than a year ago when I failed a bunch of them by digging into the lower manifold with the rockers. There is a chance that the lifter failed again, but for what reason? #4 cylinder was one of the cylinders that dug into the manifold, so there could easily be more damage there than I found.
Ok, so why swap to a 3400 instead of just fixing this engine? Several reasons... I will probably spend a minimum of $100 fixing this problem cause I would definately check all the lifters. Then with gaskets, blah, blah... Then there is the chance that it may be deeper and that $100 would just be a temporary fix. I can get a 3400 for between $500-750 this week and have at least a dozen to choose from. Those who have seen my car before know it isn't the smoothest running car by far. There is another reason... If I was the only person driving it, it would be one thing. But my soon-to-be wife also has to drive it every now and then, and I personnally just don't trust it all that much. The 3400 is just a logical swap.
Anyway, enough of the rambling. I just wanted everyone to know. I plan on documenting this for everyone. Brian (brian89gp) is coming over this weekend and we'll start on Sat night and hopefully have it running by Sun night. Should be interesting...
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