Getting pushrods to stay in the tappets!

[T25Convert]

Hi all,

Having to replace my tappets as they keep draining down. Using collapsible push rod tubes so should be easy.

However, each time I come to put the rocker shaft back the push rods drop out of the tappets. I've tried pushing the rockers over and holding everything in place (using my best octopus impression) but at least one seems to drop out. Its slowly driving me insane!!

Anyone got a secret method for making them stay put whilst I do the rocker shaft up??

Cheers,

Alex

[itchyfeet]

Turn the van on its side
what about a small blob of grease never done it but an old trick i have read about for engine reassembly, grease disolves in oil later

[T25Convert]

I like the grease idea - used it to hold bits in during the build and its surprisingly sticky stuff! Doesn't need much encouragement to stay in either I expect.

Will give it a go tonight provided the rain stops!

Cheers,

Alex

[lefty67]

Have you got the retaining wire?

[itchyfeet]

Have you got the retaining wire?

That's Aircooled wbx don't have them

[Ian and Lins]

Yep, grease (heavy) works. I've used it when reassembling pushrod Triumph twins and triples.

[lefty67]

Have you got the retaining wire?

That's Aircooled wbx don't have them

Think I must be seeing things, sure his sig was an 81 a/c

[toomanytoys]

wire clip is for the pushrod tubes.. not the push rods..

grease.. but.. its entirely possible if you undo the adjusting screws.. get the rocker shafts on loose and slot everything together...

[T25Convert]

Thanks all - finally managed it.

The grease was helpful, as it slowed the rate that the rods fell back out of the tappets.

I was originally trying to do it with the adjusting screws wound out to flush with the rocker arms as per toomanytoys suggestion. This gave the maximum wriggle room to seat them in the first place, but also the most room for the rods to slide back out of the tappets.

Finally found it easiest to half wind the adjust screws out, which applied enough pressure to keep the rods in whilst I tightened the rocker shaft back up. It was so much easier when the engine was on the rotating stand!!

All down now though, 8 pumped up silent tappets.

Cheers,

Alex