Question about rocker geometry/ lash
It should swipe across the top of the valve stem, with the pattern centered on the stem tip as the rocker moves across its full range of motion driven by the cam lobe.
This has zero to do with lash, which is set after the rocker geometry is established.
Zero lash is the point at which there is no free movement of the pushrod between the lifter and the under-side of the rocker when the rocker tip is firmly against the valve tip, and the lifter is on the base of the cam lobe.
Correct geometry (in it's simplest form) means that you have the tip of the rocker "centered" on the valve tip as much as possible throughout the entire range of lift.
I usually use a dial micrometer to measure at the valve...zero lift, to max lift (lobe lift x1.7) with the rocker on.....using a marking compound on the valve tip, and verify a correct "swipe" pattern of the rocker on the valve tip. Then, measure required pushrod length....add for desired preload....and order pushrods.
Hope this helps.
Edit:Crain...ya beat me to it! lol
The fundamentals you're asking are covered in most decent $20-and-less books, and it's a great investment if you want to assemble a reliable engine the first time around.
My push rod checker and rest of my parts haven't got here yet. I'm a visual person so I think one I see it, I'll get a better grasp on it.
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To measure pr length you need to have the lifter all the way down on the cam lobe with the valve fully closed. Most aftermarket cams have a smaller base circle than stock.
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But, as long as the valve is closed, I should be on the lobe base of the cam, correct??
Edit heres a link you should check out. Brian tooleys last comment on the thread will be helpful for you and the entire thing is worth a read. It really helps you understand whats going on a making sure a critical part of your valvetrain is how it should be.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...gs-theory.html
Last edited by Tainted; Sep 13, 2012 at 08:41 PM.



