Checking pushrod length with a checking tool and no instructions...

[Kern Dog]

Hello again.
I'm getting ready to check my pushrod length for the new rocker arm kit I bought from Mancini racing. As is often the case, it is now after hours and there is nobody there to answer the question. Also once again, there were NO instructions included. When are these guys going to realize that not everyone is a seasoned engine builder?
I understand the theory of checking length, but in this case, the tool I received has no measurements on it. It states that it is for 8.8 to 9.8 length. With it bottomed and tight, it measures 8 15/16ths from end to end, but this doesn't account for the recess in the top end where the ball of the rocker arm adjusting bolt fits in. It has a series of dashed lines on the fixed side and the side that screws out. I was able to spin it 22 rotations before it came out.
I'd add pictures but this site is different from FABO and I can't figure it out.
For the sake of discussion, is this the proper procedure?

Install rocker arm gear, torque to spec.
Adjust length tool to zero lash.
Set rocker arm nut to 1/4 to 1/2 turn tighter than zero lash.
Remove checking tool and measure total length.
Correct? It seems that the cup end could theoretically be more than a half sphere and skew the numbers a bit. It seems that a more accurate measurement would be from lifter plunger to the rounded tip of the rocker arm adjuster ball.
What is the DEAL, man!!!??

 

[Supershafts]

put the checking tool into the lifters, put the rockers on and tq arm as stated, then put the adjustment of the rocker where it is at it's point so you have plenty of adjustment for anything, like non perfected valve heights and other issues, turn the pushrod check tool until it removes all the slack in the rocker, back off the adjuster 1 full turn, adjust the pushrod checker again removing all the slack in the rocker. Remove the rockers, remove the pushrod checker and measure them with a caliper from end to end, order them as to that length.

 

[Kern Dog]

See that is my question...WHERE to measure!
End to end?
This is why I am confused. As I wrote, is there an industry standard as far as how far the "CUP" wraps around the adjuster in the rocker arm? I am talking about the recess in the cup end. If you measure to the total length and there is variation from manufacturer to manufacturer in the depth of the cup, the length will never be consistent.

 

[62 Dart Convertible]

A cut/paste from the Comp Cams website -

Measuring them for length is especially difficult, no matter which technique above you choose to use. The size and shape of the cup end varies greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer, so measuring from the ball end to the cup end over the cup surface is a dangerous practice. The best strategy is to drop a 5/16" diameter steel ball into the cup end, and do all measuring over this ball, subtracting the 5/16" diameter (.3125") to figure the length.

Full article here - http://www.compcams.com/Products/CC-'Pushrods'-0.aspx

 

[Hemirunner]

See that is my question...WHERE to measure!
End to end?
This is why I am confused. As I wrote, is there an industry standard as far as how far the "CUP" wraps around the adjuster in the rocker arm? I am talking about the recess in the cup end. If you measure to the total length and there is variation from manufacturer to manufacturer in the depth of the cup, the length will never be consistent.

The most accurate way is to use a 5/16" (.312) ball bearing in the cup, measure over that with a 12" vernier caliper and then subtract the .312" for the ball bearing. That becomes the "effective" length measurement for a pushrod. Overall length is very subjective as the cup height may vary drastically from different pushrod companies. If you don't have a 12" caliper, you can just lock the adjustable push rod tool down and send it to Smith Bros. and they'll make what you need based off your sample.

 

[Meep-Meep]

To establish the correct length you need to know where to put the rocker adjuster screw. Getting this correct is very important. If you draw an imaginary straight line that picks up the valve stem tip, through the rocker shaft CL the third component should be the ball CL. Usually this ends up putting the adjuster screw pretty high up in the rocker so the push rod cup almost hits the rocker. If the adjuster ball is too far out resulting in a shorter push rod, you will eventually throw a push rod out at high RPM. The rocker side of the push rod should have minimal lateral movement as it goes up and down.