[JLMounce]

I would maybe suspect sticking valves. If you’ve got corroded valves or seats and they bind up as heat gets to them, that would absolutely bend pushrods. That type of thing can also destroy lifters, or even blow out lifter bosses.

Before spending a bunch of money I’d start tearing into a few things. First, I’d change the oil and cut open the filter. I’d be looking for tell tale signs of a flat cam that could accompany this.

Next I’d take off the valve covers, intake and valley pan to get a look under her skirt. I’d be looking for visual signs of cam wear and issues with the lifters. Specifically with the lifters I’d be looking for mushroomed bottoms or concave wear.

You might also take out a couple of pushrods and see if they are corroded. There’s a lot of force on these and if they are corroded they can certainly bend.

If this doesn’t return anything suspect (or even if it does) I think I’m pulling the heads and looking for bent and sticking valves. That’ll also get you a look at the piston tops and cylinder walls.

That would dictate next steps.