The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Rod popped out

So I pulled the valve cover of to check it all out.
And wow there was a rod just sitting off to the side.
I ran straight to my machinist to get a idea what I was looking at. As he is only about a mile from my house. He said no big deal it happen on the old things. Is this true? Is it common?

Could you please be more specific? A photo would be helpful.

Mark,

A pushrod that comes out of its proper location isn't a common occurrence. It can be an indicator of other problems. If the pushrod is dead straight, I would loosen the companion rocker arm and stick it back where it belongs. It's important to make sure the end in the lifter is really where it belongs.

Bring the rocker arm back where it belongs and adjust it properly. Keep an eye and ear out for any further developments...it, contrary to your machinists statement, isn't common to have this happen. That's how I see it.

Stuart

For it to be that loose, it should have been clattering like *&%$

I think it was like that when I got it.
As for the machinist wasn't like it happen somewhere every day.
just said that the lock nuts can come lose an the rods pop out.
Said he had seen it 3 time before an he is a 53 also.
He said if every thing else looks normal no need tearing the rest the motor apart.

Actually, I had that happen to me, on an intake IIRC. Missed something terrible. The cup on the top end of the rod had actually broke off. Seems that dud rods do get out there for these engines. I just went to the flaps and got a replacement, $8 for a new one.

Mark,

I wasn't trying to cast dispersions on your machinist. He is right, if everything looks good, just stick it back together. Without pulling the sidecover and looking at the lifter, you are going to have to go by 'feel' when you reassemble it. If the dead straight pushrod spins like butter as it mates with the cup in the lifter, things are probably OK. If you squirt some 30wt motor oil down the hole onto the top of the lifter, you should be able to almost 'suction' the lifter straight up with the pushrod.

Those two tests will tell you the seat in the lifter is good, otherwise you would have to do a visible, and that means pulling the sidecover. Sears has some cool fiber optic scopes on sale, that would be an excuse to buy one!

Stuart

Yeah it all went back an felt fine. I pulled the side cover off as soon as I saw teh rod out. started it all open an it all worked fine. tomorrow my seals are in an I can really test it don't want oil everywhere.