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Stretching pushrod tubes

PostPosted: Thu Aug 22, 2024 2:55 pm
by Bryan Cotton
Hey all,
When you are reusing a set of pushrod tubes, how much do you stretch them first? Is there a good method to stretch them? I'm finding it awkward because there is not anything good to grab onto.

Re: Stretching pushrod tubes

PostPosted: Thu Aug 22, 2024 3:40 pm
by kmacht
You don’t need to stretch them very much. Maybe an 1/8” per side. You should be able to just pull out them a little bit with your fingers. You are just trying to stretch them enough so they squish back down and make a good seal when you torque the heads. Wear gloves when you do it as the ends can be sharp.

Re: Stretching pushrod tubes

PostPosted: Thu Aug 22, 2024 4:09 pm
by Bryan Cotton
Thanks, that's about how much I could stretch them.

Re: Stretching pushrod tubes

PostPosted: Sun Aug 25, 2024 11:39 am
by karmarepair
From ShopTalk Forums: "Place them in your hand and use your thumb to push the bellows part over. Turn 180 degrees and push it back the other way. Do it a couple of times, then center the opening, then turn it around and do the same to the other end."

Re: Stretching pushrod tubes

PostPosted: Sun Aug 25, 2024 11:43 am
by Bryan Cotton
karmarepair wrote:From ShopTalk Forums: "Place them in your hand and use your thumb to push the bellows part over. Turn 180 degrees and push it back the other way. Do it a couple of times, then center the opening, then turn it around and do the same to the other end."

Thanks, that's similar to what I did. Heads are on and there seemed to be plenty of force on the tubes. I'm off to my quest of the elusive "Dry AeroVee."

Re: Stretching pushrod tubes

PostPosted: Sun Aug 25, 2024 4:12 pm
by Area 51%
Bryan Cotton wrote:I'm off to my quest of the elusive "Dry AeroVee."


I think I saw one in a picture once. Couldn't tell for sure because the image was really fuzzy, and the engine was partially blocked by Big Foot.