Bent Push Rod? (1 Viewer)

[Igotmearedone]

I'm sure this is just a very basic question, but I was just changing my valve cover gasket and noticed that there was a bend in these two parts inside. Is this what I've seen called a bent push rod? Is it something I should replace before putting the cover back on? Thanks

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[Splangy]

I don’t see anything bent.

 

[Igotmearedone]

The top of the first and third rods seem bent inwards to me, just didn't see any of the others like those 2. I can take another photo tonight from a better angle if it helps.

 

[Splangy]

The rocker arms? They’re supposed to move up and down.

Disconnect the coil wire and have somebody turn the engine over as you watch the valvetrain. It’s mechanical ballet.

 

[Igotmearedone]

Thanks for the response, I'll give it a go.

 

[brian]

 

[ToyotaMatt]

Great TECH. @brian !

 

[Steamer]

If you rotate the engine by hand to the two TDC positions as you would when adjusting the valves,, you can rotate the push rods of the closed valves with your thumb and fore finger. That should help point out a bent pushrod. Not precise but easier than removing them and rolling on a flat surface.

 

[Boaf 32]

If you rotate the engine by hand to the two TDC positions as you would when adjusting the valves,, you can rotate the push rods of the closed valves with your thumb and fore finger. That should help point out a bent pushrod. Not precise but easier than removing them and rolling on a flat surface.

Hi @Steamer

I should know this, but is it possible to replace a pushrod without removing the entire valve train? Loosen adjusters and slide the springs? Thanks.

Boaf

 

[Steamer]

I dunno! Never tried it, but I'd guess no. If you could remove the adjusting screw from the rocker, it would give more clearance but I don't think the rod would have enough room in the hole to move sideways enough to pass by the rocker. But again, never tried.
But I never found removing the valve train that big a deal. And if your checking one rod, why not check them all.
The first time I removed mine which was heavily gunked up, I dis-assembled it to clean it up and found many of the oil passages in the rockers partially or fully clogged up. Also the shaft was quite worn along with the bushings. Installed a new shaft and bushings along with cleaned out rockers and the oil was flowing great. It's a pretty sight.

 

[Boaf 32]

I dunno! Never tried it, but I'd guess no. If you could remove the adjusting screw from the rocker, it would give more clearance but I don't think the rod would have enough room in the hole to move sideways enough to pass by the rocker. But again, never tried.
But I never found removing the valve train that big a deal. And if your checking one rod, why not check them all.
The first time I removed mine which was heavily gunked up, I dis-assembled it to clean it up and found many of the oil passages in the rockers partially or fully clogged up. Also the shaft was quite worn along with the bushings. Installed a new shaft and bushings along with cleaned out rockers and the oil was flowing great. It's a pretty sight.

And I thank you. The whole point of my question is I developed a knocking noise of my freshly re-built motor and it seems to be in one cylinder. It may one of three things:

1. Lash to loose or to tight (I adjusted again but still there)
2. Bent rod (will rotate while in place)
3. Piston bearing cap loosened up.

Will let you know if there is enough clearance (if needed).

Boaf

 

[Steamer]

Jeeeez! A knock in a fresh rebuild has got to be disappointing. I’ve never heard the noise that a bent push rod makes so I wouldn’t recognize it. But I would think it would be easy to track down with the valve cover off and running.

Did you see this recent thread by TheCrazyGreek? He was suspecting a bent push rod. Don’t know how he made out but his thread may be of help.

"Name That Sound"

 

[Boaf 32]

Jeeeez! A knock in a fresh rebuild has got to be disappointing. I’ve never heard the noise that a bent push rod makes so I wouldn’t recognize it. But I would think it would be easy to track down with the valve cover off and running.

Did you see this recent thread by TheCrazyGreek? He was suspecting a bent push rod. Don’t know how he made out but his thread may be of help.

"Name That Sound"

That's the one that scares me.!!!

 

[Boaf 32]

I dunno! Never tried it, but I'd guess no. If you could remove the adjusting screw from the rocker, it would give more clearance but I don't think the rod would have enough room in the hole to move sideways enough to pass by the rocker. But again, never tried.
But I never found removing the valve train that big a deal. And if your checking one rod, why not check them all.
The first time I removed mine which was heavily gunked up, I dis-assembled it to clean it up and found many of the oil passages in the rockers partially or fully clogged up. Also the shaft was quite worn along with the bushings. Installed a new shaft and bushings along with cleaned out rockers and the oil was flowing great. It's a pretty sight.

I was able to remove the pushrod with loosening the adjuster and sliding it over. Straight push rods. Did discover the oil is not flowing as good as it had. I am going to remove and clean the holes on the rockers. That should take care of the knock.