I can't remember ever having this issue before, but today when I started setting the initial valve lash, several of the adjusters had to be backed-up way to far. I was following the Eichman book and started at TDC. I'm using 5/16" 500# tubular pushrods and I thought I may have the wrong length, but they are about 8 &1/8" long from the tip of the ball at the bottom end to the top of the cup on the top. The earlier pushrods I think are 8&1/4" or longer. The heads (471) have been milled more than once. The bosses now measure just a hair under 1.000" and the cam has a .491 lift.

When I first saw I was having this problem, I stopped and tried to remove a pushrod to measure it's length, but I had to remove the rocker shaft from the head. Pushrods wouldn't come out even if the adjuster was all the way out of the rocker arm. 

Vern Schumann can make up pushrods any length you want, but I'm wondering why or if I shoud have to do this? I gave him a call today and he said I could try using the oil drip pans under the rocker stands. I do have a set of those and I think they are about 0.040" thick. I'm a little concerned about using them because I'm already at .491" lift on the cam and have John Mummerts #105 springs which are good to a .500 lift. So, if I use these drip pans would I have to go with a heavier valve spring??

Anyway, any thoughts anyone might have would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID