The Ford Barn - View Single Post - '54 Y-Block push rods

JimNNN · 06-30-2021, 12:57 AM

Yes, I knew it was a 239. I had the shop manual by that time, and besides the previous owner had told me it was a 239.

I see what you mean that the ball ends are tips that I guess can be changed out(??) With that in mind, I see what you're saying about the push rods likely being hollow.

Anyway, when I was last up at storage, I set the preliminary lash at .019" with the original push rods per the shop manual, and had to loosen many of them (ie, increase the clearance) to get there. I figured that would this would result in a bit more ticking in my typically very quiet motor, and I was right. I've always heard that solid lifters usually had more ticking than hydraulics, and this was part of the reason for checking lash: my engine seemed a bit on the quiet side.

However, I recently saw a video from Y-block guy Tim McMaster that said you can set the lash as low as .015" to help the engine run a little quieter. Any opinions on this? Don't want to wear valves or seats more than I need too.

06-30-2021, 12:57 AM	#3
JimNNN Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 522	Re: '54 Y-Block push rods Yes, I knew it was a 239. I had the shop manual by that time, and besides the previous owner had told me it was a 239. I see what you mean that the ball ends are tips that I guess can be changed out(??) With that in mind, I see what you're saying about the push rods likely being hollow. Anyway, when I was last up at storage, I set the preliminary lash at .019" with the original push rods per the shop manual, and had to loosen many of them (ie, increase the clearance) to get there. I figured that would this would result in a bit more ticking in my typically very quiet motor, and I was right. I've always heard that solid lifters usually had more ticking than hydraulics, and this was part of the reason for checking lash: my engine seemed a bit on the quiet side. However, I recently saw a video from Y-block guy Tim McMaster that said you can set the lash as low as .015" to help the engine run a little quieter. Any opinions on this? Don't want to wear valves or seats more than I need too.