How about applying a little common sense here? How can a lifter, which is BELOW the pushrod, cause it to bend? The only parts above the pushrod are the rocker arm, and the valve stem. It's easy to check the rocker, especially with the pushrod removed- - - - -just grab it and see if it moves easily. It does? OK, the only other thing it can be is the valve sticking in the guide, which it's already done. Either do it right by cleaning up the valve stem and the guide, or buy a bunch of pushrods. Straightening a bent one is simply not an option.
Jerry
