Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Bent Push Rod? How To tell?

[mperkins40]

Heard some noise reverb from the air intake (while it's off) and a diesel mechanic, who actually heard it after he adjusted my timing from 14. 5 to 15. 5 degrees, suggested that it sounded like a bad valve. I adjust the valve clearance last year with only 10-12,000 mile w/ some towing (10,000 # trailer) and snow plowing since. I looked at the valves and re-adjusted them. When I noticed that exhaust valve on #4 was way out of spec w/ 1/4 " gap. The lock not was tight. I put the rocker back to spec (. 20). Because of the locatiojn and difficulty of removing the valve spring, rocker, c-clip retainer (lack of light and opposite view position without the right tools) I didn't pull the rocker to look at the valve. Since the adjustment truck sounds better (no reverb )



What are the chances of having a bent rod? How long should I go before I re-check valve clearance (miles - truck isn't driven everyday)?



Thanks

Mike

 

[Reb.B]

on a 12v the first 25k is important to check the valve clearance. After that then i'd do it every 100K. To check the pushrod, u need to pull it out and roll it on something flat and level to see if it is bent

 

[mperkins40]

Thanks.



I need to take a closer look at it. Any risk if I do not examine the push rod immediately?

 

[24VChev]

bent

If you bent a push rod that usually means that the valve has hit the pistion. Usually that bends the valve also. If the adjusting screw on the suspect rocker is protruding about the same height as the rest, then I would not worry about it. If the lock nut was not tight it souds like it may have just backed off. For a peice of mind you may want to check it out but I would say that there is no immediate danger.







Malcolm