Are you an engine builder or mechanic looking to improve your precision and accuracy when it comes to push rods? Look no further than the push rod length tool. This simple yet essential tool can make a world of difference in the performance of your engine. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about push rod length tools, including their benefits, how to use them, and where to buy them.
What is a Push Rod Length Tool?
Push rods are a vital component of any internal combustion engine. They transfer motion from the camshaft to the valve lifters, which in turn open and close the valves. Properly adjusted push rods ensure that the valves open and close at the right time for maximum engine performance.
A push rod length tool is a specialized measuring device used to determine the correct length for each push rod in an engine. These tools typically consist of a set of adjustable arms with dial indicators that measure the distance between two points on the engine.
Benefits of Using a Push Rod Length Tool
The benefits of using a push rod length tool are numerous. Here are just a few:
1. Improved Performance: By ensuring that each push rod is precisely adjusted to the correct length, you can optimize your engine’s performance, resulting in improved power and efficiency.
2. Increased Durability: Properly adjusted push rods reduce wear and tear on other components in the engine, such as camshafts and lifters, improving overall durability.
3. Time Savings: With a push rod length tool, you can quickly and accurately adjust all of your push rods without having to rely on trial-and-error methods.
How to Use a Push Rod Length Tool
Using a push rod length tool is relatively straightforward. Here’s how:
1. Remove one valve cover from your engine.
2. Rotate the engine until the lifter for that cylinder is on the base circle of the camshaft.
3. Loosen the rocker arm and remove the push rod from that cylinder.
4. Place the push rod in the adjustable arms of the length tool, making sure it’s seated securely.
5. Adjust the length tool until the dial indicator reads zero.
6. Record the measurement and repeat for each push rod in your engine.
Where to Buy a Push Rod Length Tool
Push rod length tools are available from a variety of sources, including automotive parts stores, online retailers, and specialty tool manufacturers. Some popular options include:
1. Summit Racing Equipment: Summit offers a wide selection of push rod length tools from top brands like COMP Cams and Proform.
2. Amazon: A quick search on Amazon will yield dozens of results for push rod length tools at various price points.
3. Jegs: Jegs carries a range of push rod length tools from trusted brands like ARP and Moroso.
Conclusion
Investing in a push rod length tool is an excellent decision for anyone serious about building high-performance engines. These simple yet essential tools can help you achieve optimal performance, increased durability, and time savings in your engine building projects.
So next time you’re working on an engine, don’t neglect this critical component – pick up a push rod length tool today!
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internal_combustion_engine
https://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/pushrod-length-checkers
