Fitting ball ends to adjustable pushrods?

[db484bhpv8]

Whats the technique to fitting the end for the lifter.

My pushrods were supplied from Real Steel with small and large ends dependant on the lifter type used so i have to fit my own ends.
They are a tight interference fit. Do i have to heat the rod?

[NZ fan]

I have done this with Chev pushrods, don't know if the rover ones are the same deal? They are a very tight fit so I have used the press to install them with a piece of soft metal to protect the ends (copper, aluminium) I wouldn't use heat for fear of softening the hardened tip when the heat soakes through. You might be able to warm them a little with a heat gun which may help but I think unless you are very carful a flame wil have those rods blue in no time.

[QBee]

If you need advice on ball-ends you should contact Dr Jeremy Clarkson. He's a Doctor of Engineering (Hammer) and has a bit of spare time available to advise at the moment, especially on ball-ends, as he seems to be acquainted with a few

[carsy]

Heat the rods up. Ball ends in the freezer and they will tap in fairly easy.

Just make sure they dont need shortening as I would imagine getting the ends back out may be a little more difficult. Mine only have a few threads of adjustment left. If youve had your heads skimmed you may have even less.

[mattrosersv]

As carsy says. Balls iin freezer rods in oven. Mine tapped straight in. Did this after trying to knock them in with a lead drift - no chance.

From experience I would not suggest using a blow torch on the end.... easy to go too hot and damage them...

Matt

[db484bhpv8]

carsy said:

Heat the rods up. Ball ends in the freezer and they will tap in fairly easy.

Just make sure they dont need shortening as I would imagine getting the ends back out may be a little more difficult. Mine only have a few threads of adjustment left. If youve had your heads skimmed you may have even less.

The standard rods measure 204.5mm and preload the lifters too much without pedestal shims.
The adjustables measure 201mm fully closed so i have 3.5mm which is enough.
The ends are in the freezer and the rods are in the oven on gas mark 6

[carsy]

One other thing Derek. Have you opened up the pushrod guide holes in the heads.

[db484bhpv8]

carsy said:

One other thing Derek. Have you opened up the pushrod guide holes in the heads.

They were already done.

Rods assembled. Having bangers and mash before setting preloads