57chizler - 2017-06-05 3:05 PM
The adjuster threads are an interference fit so they need no jam nuts. Common on lots of Mopar engines, not sure if they're original in an early Hemi.

56D500boy - 2017-06-05 3:32 PM
Okay. thanks. Seems strange but... Just bought an 1.25" Deep socket so I will now be able to turn the engine by hand (with the socket and my torque wrench/rachet) and start doing the adjustments (checking).
:)

56D500boy - 2017-06-12 2:00 PM
It has been suggested that I might want to take the push rod out and inspect it. I presume that if I remove the adjuster screw I will be able to slide the rocker arm out of the way (against the spring) enough to pull out the push rod.
The top of the rod seems to have a cone that spins but that doesn't show in the parts diagram.

57chizler - 2017-06-13 1:43 PM
When using adjustable rockers with hydraulic lifters the usual drill is to tighten the adjuster to zero backlash and then tighten it another 1/4-1/2 turn....this preloads the lifter.

Powerflite - 2017-06-13 2:58 PM
On all of my adjustable push rods on Chrysler hemis, that cone is press-fit into the end of the push rod. It looks like your push rod is mushroomed out, which isn't good. And the fact that it is loose is also not good. I would bet that someone didn't want to replace the pushrod, so to "fix" it, they installed the hydraulic lifter in there to cushion the hit and make it run that way. If it were mine, I would call Hot Heads or Kanter and try to get a replacement push rod to stick in there. If you really punch it and your valve floats, that end piece could end up coming out, and you could have real problems. But if you just cruise around in it, you may never experience an issue.

wayfarer - 2017-06-14 1:34 PM
...if it were mine, I'd be pulling the top off to have a look-see at all of the related parts. Something isn't 'right' and it sounds as though you do not have any detailed info on the engine details.
The pushrod is obviously damaged and hydraulic lifters rarely display 'sponginess'.

wayfarer - 2017-06-16 11:30 AM Pushrods and lifters are easy but you really need to know what you have and not just throw parts at it.
Rebuilds are expensive but physical damage can result in even more so. Do it right-do it once.

56D500boy - 2017-06-14 2:02 PM
I am not sure if the push rod was "obviously damaged". The cone did spin the hollow pushrod and would come out so yes, it wasn't correct. As a short term fix, I RED Loctited the cone into the tube yesterday and reinstalled the pushrod with a new old stock adjuster late yesterday afternoon. I am just going out to the garage now to see if I can come to an adjustment that I will be happy with (for now).

I will need to source the 315 D500 hemi-specific push rod(s) and solid lifter sometime before the fall. I am reluctant to go after the issue now because I know that at least one of the intake bolts will snap off, opening up yet another (and BIG) can of worms. No thanks. Not right now. It's summer and I want to drive the car again. I won't be hammering on it, just cruising. Probably limit the RPMs to under 4500 max. (I bought a tacometer for this reason).

wayfarer - 2018-02-16 11:03 AM
Gotta love Cosmoline....but it does the job!

wayfarer - 2018-02-16 4:00 PM
No worries!! I only wish that I had some magic fairy dust for these situations.

56D500boy - 2026-03-13 6:14 PM.
Tomorrow I will figure out why the push rod is still stuck on the rocker arm with the adjuster 100% out