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Perkins 400 series 403C 404C Engine Workshop Service Repair Manual

1) Purpose and brief theory (one line)
- Pushrods transmit cam/lifter motion up to the rocker, converting cam profile into valve lift. If a pushrod is bent, worn or seating poorly the valve will not open/close correctly, causing loss of compression, misfire, rough running, excessive noise and rapid valve/seat/cam wear.

2) Symptoms that point to pushrod problems
- Loud ticking/knocking over a specific cylinder, loss of power on one cylinder, uneven idle, poor compression or visible wear where pushrod contacts rocker or tappet.

3) Preparations (safety + what you need)
- Safety: engine stopped and cool, battery isolated, suitable light, rags, drip tray.
- Tools: basic hand tools, torque wrench, feeler gauges, clean container for parts, straight edge/lathe bar for roll test, micrometer calipers if available.
- Have the engine workshop manual for correct clearances and torque values.

4) Set engine to a known reference before disassembly
- Rotate engine to TDC (compression stroke) of cylinder 1 (or follow manual). Theory: at TDC compression the valves are closed and components under least stress — easier to measure and remove pushrods without valve spring load changing geometry.

5) Access the valvegear
- Remove air intakes, rocker cover(s) and any brackets blocking access. Drain no oil unless required. Theory: the rocker cover lets you see and remove rockers/pushrods; keep the work area clean to avoid contamination of tappet bores.

6) Record and label components
- Mark rocker shafts/arms or take photos so each pushrod goes back to its original location (unless you plan to replace all). Theory: some wear patterns are matched between a specific rocker, pushrod and tappet; mixing can hide problems or accelerate wear.

7) Check rocker and lash first
- With cover off, observe rocker movement while cranking or turning cam by hand (use correct method). Note noisy rockers. Check valve clearance/lash against spec. Theory: some problems are simple misadjustment or a loose rocker nut; correct adjustment can restore function without removing pushrods.

8) Remove rocker assembly / free pushrods
- Depending on engine design, either loosen/ remove rocker pivot/shaft and lift the rocker assembly, or back off adjusters and lift individual rockers so pushrods can be withdrawn. Keep springs/bolts in order. Theory: pushrods sit in the tappet cup at the cam end and in the rocker cup at the head — to extract them you must free the rocker side.

9) Remove pushrods and inspect visually
- Withdraw pushrods one at a time and lay them in order. Inspect ends for pitting, mushrooming, flattening, or cupping; examine the shaft for scoring or bends.
- Theory: wear at the ends indicates poor seating/small contact patch or contaminated oil; bends indicate an overload (hydraulic lock or mechanical seizure) and cause incorrect geometry.

10) Straightness test
- Roll each pushrod on a known-flat straightedge or precision rod; a bent pushrod will rock or show a gap. If available, use a micrometer or dial indicator over a V-block to measure runout. Theory: any bend causes the rocker tip to move off the designed axis, reducing effective lift and changing valve timing.

11) Measure and compare to spec
- Measure diameter at ends and length if possible; compare to workshop limits. Replace if out of tolerance. Theory: correct dimensions ensure proper seating in the cup and correct valve lift.

12) Inspect tappets (lifters) and rocker seats
- With pushrods out, inspect tappet tops/cups for wear, scoring or stepped faces; inspect rocker cups and contact faces for pitting. Clean tappet bores and ensure oil passages are clear. Theory: damage to mating surfaces causes accelerated wear on new pushrods and uneven valve actuation — always address wear on both sides.

13) Replace worn components
- Replace any pushrod that is bent, excessively worn, or out of spec. Replace damaged rockers, pushrod cups or tappets as required. Theory: restoring straight, dimensionally correct parts restores correct geometry and contact area so valve lift, duration and seating are as designed.

14) Reassembly order
- Lightly oil contact surfaces and reinstall pushrods in their original positions. Refit rocker assembly/shaft and torque fasteners to spec. Theory: correct orientation and torque prevent movement and maintain correct preload and geometry.

15) Set valve clearance (lash) in correct sequence
- With engine cold (or as manual specifies) set tappet/rocker clearances to the specified gap. Typical method: rotate to the cylinder’s TDC compression stroke before adjusting that cylinder. Lock adjuster and recheck. Theory: lash compensates for thermal expansion and ensures valves fully close and open at intended times; incorrect lash leads to poor sealing or valve damage.

16) Final checks and run-in
- Rotate engine by hand several revolutions, recheck clearances, then start engine and listen for abnormal noise. Recheck after short run and at operating temperature if the manual requires. Theory: rechecking ensures no fasteners have relaxed and parts bed in correctly.

17) How each part of the repair fixes observed faults (short)
- Bent pushrod replaced → restores straight geometry → correct valve lift and timing → restores compression and smooth firing.
- Worn pushrod ends replaced → restores full contact area with rocker/tappet → prevents repeated impact/pitting, reduces noise and uneven seating → restores valve sealing.
- Tappet/rocker repair or replacement → ensures correct transfer of cam motion → prevents further pushrod wear and cam damage.
- Correct lash setting → ensures valves close fully at rest and open fully during lift → prevents loss of compression or valve seat damage.

18) Post-repair validation
- Compression test or cylinder balance to confirm restoration of compression/power. Inspect oil for debris if severe wear was present. Theory: verifies no secondary damage (cam lobes, seats) and confirms the root cause was addressed.

Concise troubleshooting rule: if you have noise and loss on a single cylinder, check lash and rocker first; if lash correct but cylinder problem persists, remove and inspect pushrod and tappet — bent/worn pushrods are a common, visible cause and replacing them plus any damaged mates restores correct valve actuation and fixes the symptoms.

End.
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