#1  
Old 07-17-2025, 06:49 PM
JLMounce JLMounce is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Greeley, Colorado
Posts: 4,540
Send a message via AIM to JLMounce
Default

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.

__________________
-Jason
1969 Pontiac Firebird
  #2  
Old 07-17-2025, 07:22 PM
NateOld687 NateOld687 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2025
Location: Richmond Wi
Posts: 40
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by JLMounce View Post
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.
Awesome thanks for the direction, yes there was actual rust on rockers/push rods I cleaned them up before running the car but obviously that didn't help anything... ihave a surface plate I can roll the push rods around on to check em' but if they are corroded at all I should just replace them..I should know better honestly just on a budget and thought it would be not a big deal, again thanks I'm gonna dive into her tomorrow night

Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:33 AM.

 

About Us

The PY Online Forums is the largest online gathering of Pontiac enthusiasts anywhere in the world. Founded in 1991, it was also the first online forum for people to gather and talk about their Pontiacs. Since then, it has become the mecca of Pontiac technical data and knowledge that no other place can surpass.

 




Copyright © 2017