I have a brand new ZZ4 short block with new TFS 23 degree AL heads. The head gasket I used was a GMPP 0.028" Composition w/ Graphite number 14096405. I am running the LT4 Hot cam with Crane gold 1.6 roller rocker number 10756-16. Now TFS recomends a pushrod length of 7.25in with the felpro 1010 gasket of .039 thickenss. I mistakenly bought pushrods of length 7.3in. Now with the thinner gasket I believe I should be runner a 7.2in pushrod. I did not use a checker on the pushrods during assembly. Since it first fired the valve train has beed noisely. A light ticking noise from all the rockers is present no matter how many times I run the valves. I ran them both hot with the engine running and cold. It is like this if the engine is hot or cold and the sound varies with RPM. I used new fedreal mogule hyd roller lifters and the heads are good for .540 max lift. The hot cam with 1.6rr is a max lift of .525. The noise can be heard when the hood is closed and I am getting knock counts at idle of 800rpm. I also believe it is triggering the knock sensor elsewhere in the rpm range. Well my question is would an incorrect pushrod length cause the ticking noise? The heads have guideplates and the pushrods are trickflow 7.3in hardened non SA.
Thanks

 

maybe, have you checked what length you need? that'd be a smart move to make before you go changing parts you may or may not need.