Trying to install new cam using the rod method. Got 5/16 rods and they are not holding up the lifters? Lifters wont come up high enough to get the rods underneath. Spinning cam and using pencil magnets! just cant get them high enough!! Help please

 

this may sound dumb but the rockers/pushrods are out of the motor correct?

 

yes they are out

 

has anyone else done a cam swap using rods to hold the lifters up

 

I've used the rods a million times.

It's unlikely, but possible a lifter(s) got turned and now won't go up into the retainer. Or the retainers are just slap wore out. When you say they "wont go in", are you saying when you're pushing it comes to a dead stop? Or is it just tight? It's always going to be tighter on the pass side than the driver's side. It also helps if you round off the tip of the rods with a grinder wheel, and lube them up with a little bit of motor oil.

Whatever you do, don't pull out the cam until those two rods are bottomed out at the back of the motor.

 

the car has a lot of miles but runs good. the retainers are most likly worn. i have tried pen mag. but i can`t get the lifter up high enough to get the rod under it. i have put a point on the rods and oiled them with no luck

 

People say you have to grind a flat spot on the rods. Someone just asked about this the other day, he ended up grinding a flat along the rod I think he ground 1/3 or it flat.

 

from my experiance grind a small flat down one side of the 5/16 rod, oil rod and it will go in. lifters will still go by if you force them. the rod lays beside the lifter not under them. they are made withplastic cagesto keep them from falling down. the rods are just extra precaution.

 

thankyou for your input. So after the rods are in should the lifters be tight and not against the cam??? Newbie ? 101 haha Thanks guys!

 

If the rods go in, the lifters should not move.

 

you can still push the lifters down with a pushrod but they will stay if you leave them alone with the 5/16 rod in place. they wont fall..