Push rod clearance

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Oct 13, 2016 | 12:28 PM

#16

fijicorey25

Thread Starter

Member

Joined: Jun 2016

Posts: 206

Likes: 1

From: Florida

Year: 2000

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by CCKen

The clearances won't change, as far as you're concerned.

Add the oil and pre oil it, if you can. To what extent is it all apart?

Pre oiling should be done with the distributor removed and a tool to engage the oil pump drive, and using a 1/2 HP drill motor turn the tool until oil comes out of the push rods and floods the rockers. If all you did was changed the head you really don't need to pre oil the engine.

All I did was change the head and a few other cooling system components. So it looks like I'm good to go with putting this back together? I'm just making sure I don't mess something up.

Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it.

Aug 25, 2022 | 09:52 AM

#17

NateB94

Newbie

Joined: Aug 2022

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Same Issue

I know this has been six years, and OP may not see this, but did you ever figure this out? Or did you have any issues after finishing the job? I have this EXACT same issue. 2000 Cherokee, new Clearwater head, etc. I'm very apprehensive about continuing with the rods that close to the clearance holes in the cylinder head. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

-Nate

Aug 25, 2022 | 11:58 AM

#18

Randy Bobani

Seasoned Member

Joined: Jul 2020

Posts: 347

Likes: 132

From: Sand Pit

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Quote:

Originally Posted by NateB94

I have this EXACT same issue. 2000 Cherokee, new Clearwater head, etc. I'm very apprehensive about continuing with the rods that close to the clearance holes in the cylinder head. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

The Clearwater (ProMaxx) head is a sloppy Chinese casting. Everything needs to double checked on that head. Chamber spacing, chamber volume, casting flaws, stem clearance, stem height, pedestal height, valve job and pushrod clearance. The pushrod bores should be 1/2" stock. A 5/8" drill is usually standard operation for those going to a 3/8" pushrod diameter. I have used as large as a 3/4" drill bit to open the push rod bores on a TUPY head. I wouldn't be surprised if they could be opened up to 7/8". Plenty of material there to make clearance. A burr or cartridge roll is another option if you don't have large OD twist drills.