Nil Gasket Combat push rod diddle riddle

I want to try Trixie Combat w/o a 'real' gasket by using JSM's thin bore rings and his copper thread method. This will worsen the over long push rods on rockers meant for .040" taller heads. So how much should push rod be shortened to correct for both the factory over sight and JMS thin thongs? I'm guessing .080" or should some fudge be factored in d/t the rocker arc? I can think of ways to measure if push rods needed lengthing but not measuring twice before slicing to shorten.

hobot said:

I want to try Trixie Combat w/o a 'real' gasket by using JSM's thin bore rings and his copper thread method. This will worsen the over long push rods on rockers meant for .040" taller heads. So how much should push rod be shortened to correct for both the factory over sight and JMS thin thongs? I'm guessing .080" or should some fudge be factored in d/t the rocker arc? I can think of ways to measure if push rods needed lengthing but not measuring twice before slicing to shorten.

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Steve,

The only sure way is to assemble and assess - I did all the working out and ended up taking off another .020" after the first attempt proved inadequate.
It was a pain to keep pulling it down and reassembling, but absolutely worth it for ultimate peace of mind. Just keep the sealant in the tube until you're sure it's right

no no no No B+ not another trial & error compensation tedium for a simple sealing up grade, ugh. Trixie is the lowest form of Commando I'm told so even your mis figuring improved Combat geometry by 50%. I'm pleased with lack of stem wear as was - just not going through head gaskets w/o even getting upto ticket risking behavior. So maybe .085" shorter as no brainer with your clue on fudge factor thrown in with my napkin calc. The worst ego destroying task I've faced in decade+ is the push rod puzzle past un-ground rockers ends. Stays oil clean till 70 mph or given hi throttle to get there, ugh. Crack in carb boots 2 yr ago caused the ring wear blow by that over whelmed sealing. I got head to pretty much re-seal but not the barrel base or case seam so that made me think to try JSM kit this time while taking it down to crank again.

whats wrong with a decent head gasket Hobot. I don't have trouble with mine even if I use em twice.