Just returned from my radiator guy + was asked why 3.8 would damage same drivers side pushrod twice. noting lifter not moving. s well. I observed whole shebang- complete engine and trans on cart. My 69 gs had a leaking heater core + I'm trying to get the shop to recore. Third owner car and since I work at engine shop the owners son thought I could help.
Lifters that don't move dont bend pushrods......valves that don't move do...... There are only a few things that bend a pushrod, especially in a relatively stk motor....a valve sticking has to be close to the top......a broken rocker arm.....sometimes even on the next valve can cause it, it can move over. But if valve spring pressure are reasonable.....something has to be causing a bind....
I talked to engine owner+ was shown a lifter that had a huge wear /worn foot like a bowl. The lobe on cam had been worn but I didn't see it. This guy told me lifter ttrned sideways? He took block into race engine builder. Not cheap. The engine shop I work at , well it seems like we suggest roller upgrade on most builds. That initial start can be crucial and roller cam takes dry start out of equation. MSD ignition- locked out advance etc. Just street engines too.
