Was sitting with my 261 idling at a light yesterday when suddenly there was a ticking followed by engine backfire--clatter, clatter, boom, clatter, boom, clatter, boom. I immediately pulled into a nearby parking lot and summoned my son with a car trailer. This morning I removed the valve cover to look for broken springs, lifters, etc.

The top of a push rod had broken and the piece was lying in the oil on top of the head.

Cause? Effect?

1956 Chevy 3100
261/700r4 (formerly 3 speed OD)
In the Stovebolt Gallery
More pix on Photobucket