Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) bent push rod

[fourwheel1]

My dad has a 97 4x4 that was making a horrible racket. We discovered that it had a bent exhaust push rod on no. 6 cylinder. Anyone have any clue what may have caused this and how to make sure it does not happen again.

 

[DCreed]

check the spring/valve/retainer/ect as well as the rocker to be sure all is well and not binding or limited in travel and also for scoring or blueing of the parts. #6 tends to run hottest on these engines. does he have an ex. brake? that can cause hung valves on a 12v.

 

[Tinman]

Has the truck been idled a lot? I've heard of that causing carbon build up on the valves making them not be able to seat properly.

 

[fourwheel1]

no exhaust brake is on it and i would say its hardly idled. He was pulling a gooseneck trailer with a baler on it when it started making the noise... Thanks