So when I reassemble the heads to the engine I am wondering if when the rockerarm is installed and torgued should I be able to spin the pushrods when they are supposed to be at their lowest (uncompressed) position?
I am turning the crank by hand and non of the pushrods are spinning freely... Some assurance would help at this point....
Thanks all.

 

the rocker arm assembly should go last as I remember. Head first then insert the rods and lay the assembly after.

 

Thanks. Yes, I understand that. I am following RAVE so I have assembled everything in order. The question is not about order but about the condition of the pushrods when rocker arm is installed. Should they be able to spin in their place when at their lowest position or not? That is the question being asked.

 

They should be tight in all positions. I'm not sure about spinning, I never tried doing that. The important thing you want to measure is the 'tappet preload', which is how much the lifter cup is 'pressed in' in the top dead center position (uncompressed). I can't remember the exact number at the moment, but its like 0.040-0.060". you can use a bent piece of welding wire or equivalent to measure it.

edit: link http://www.v8engines.com/faq-gen.htm#preload

 

If the valve is closed then the pushrod should still be snug but you may be able to spin it with some effort If you can get a good grip and it's not oily. If it's oily at all or if you don't have strong fingers you may not be able to spin them, which is fine, they should be very snug even when "decompressed" . If it spins freely then it's too loose. If the valve is open at all then you should not be able to spin the pushrod.