Rajo Push Rods

[Reno Speedster]

While I am waiting for my Rajo B head to come back from the machine shop, I am turning my attention to the pushrods. Seven rods came with the head but I did not really get into them till yesterday. They are in decent shape for their age and where they were found, but in inspecting them I found three different styles of jam nut and two different kinds of tops. Two of the jam nut styles are turned from 1/2 in hex (one is longer than the other) and the third is made from 5/8 in hex (like the heads). The rods themselves are 1/4 in diameter. All the cups in the heads are lightly rusted but should polish up well. One of the cups has a hole drilled all the way through to the cup, which I think would be a problem.

I ordered some 4140 hex today to turn up some replacements heads and jam nuts. Once they are done I will harden them. I also ordered some O1 drill rod to make replacement rods. I will harden the rounded tip so they will hold up to wear on the lifters. I have adjustable lifters in the engine so I will just turn up some new tops with a cup to hold the end of the rod.

Are these similar to Rajo push rods that other folks have and had anyone else seen the different types of cups and jam nuts? Are any of the more proper than the others?

[elliott1936]

What you have pictured is the same as my push rods for my B Rajo. I have run this head on my speedster since 1974 without any problems. Tom E.

[Reno Speedster]

Thanks Tom. I am going to machine up a replacement top and some spare tops and jam nuts along with new push rods to replace the worn or bent ones (probably bent in storage). I know there are upgraded replacements available but I like the idea of using the original style as much as possible.