Steve, Yes, you must remove the side plates, as I recall there are spring retainers holding them in place and they are fastened to the engine. The tappet clearance "HOT" is- Intake,.006-.008 , Exhaust, .013-.015. I do wonder what caused the pushrod to bend thus. This could turn into another book.-LOL

Oly in Oregon

Rest in Peace

1945 GMC COE Victory Truck
1953 Willys CJ3B
1955 Chevy 1st series 3/4-ton
1958 WIFE Last series

Never say "Whoa" in a mud hole