TheSamba.com :: View topic - how to determine if I have chromoly pushrods?

Thu Feb 04, 2010 3:53 pm

(newbie alert)

I know it's been asked before, and I searched. The answers worked for previous posters, but I think I need more explanation here ... How do I check this?

Franklin installed the engine in my 57 a few years ago, but doesn't know (without driving it there - but read on).

I got the car recently. I am doing the valves for the first time on my own, and followed the .006 instructions... I have *not* started the engine, because I read about these chromoly pushrods, and I am unsure. I know, I should have checked *before* :(

How do I check this?

Are there photos I can use to compare and identify what I have?

Thanks guys

1835, dual 44 Webers

Thu Feb 04, 2010 3:55 pm

Use a magnet... it will not stick to aluminum pushrods.

Thu Feb 04, 2010 4:40 pm

And usuall y but not 100% sure the chromoly ones are normally a black color!

Thu Feb 04, 2010 4:51 pm

Nope.

Use a magnet.

Max

Thu Feb 04, 2010 5:54 pm

so if it sticks to the pushrods, they are chromoly?

Making sure :)

Thanks guys

Thu Feb 04, 2010 5:55 pm

Thu Feb 04, 2010 6:24 pm

Only the tube is made from aluminum, the ends are steel on both.

Earthquake

Thu Feb 04, 2010 9:31 pm

so then how do you tell the difference between steel and chromoly?

Thu Feb 04, 2010 9:49 pm

Ok

magnet sticks to pushrod body

... So now I need to understand what 0.000" is supposed to feel like :) ... Hunting for the feeling gauge... Thinnest I have is 0.002...

Do I get it adjusted to "tight .002"?

I am sure all of this is obvious to all but me :) learning a lot each day I spend with my beloved bug

thx

Thu Feb 04, 2010 10:10 pm

if the pushrod will rotate but you cannot feel any lash it is adjusted to "loose zero" clearance, which is what you want.

Thu Feb 04, 2010 10:20 pm

I use the method that a lot of guys on here use for getting "zero lash" and that is to adjust the rocker adjuster (screw) in until it doesn't have lash, then slowly back it out while using your fingers to spin the pushrod. When you can spin the pushrod easy with your fingers but there is no lash present, that is considered to be zero.

Andy

Thu Feb 04, 2010 10:48 pm

You guys are awesome

thank you

Thu Feb 04, 2010 11:12 pm

...with chromoly push rods...is the "loose zero" adjustment on both intake and exhaust valve? Local shop owner had mentioned he was running .002" on intake and .004" on exhaust...but not sure what material push rods he was talking about.

Thanks.

Thu Feb 04, 2010 11:41 pm

Yes, I run zero lash on all the valves.

Fri Feb 05, 2010 1:51 pm

BugMan114 wrote: so then how do you tell the difference between steel and chromoly?
Chromoly is steel.

Fri Feb 05, 2010 3:26 pm

Bruce wrote: BugMan114 wrote: so then how do you tell the difference between steel and chromoly?
Chromoly is steel.

Chromoly is steel but not all steel pushrods are chromoly.