The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Broken Rocker Arms (2)/Bent Connecting Rod 1957 Chevy Car 235 Engine

Sirs and/or Madams: I removed the valve cover on a 1957 235 chevrolet car (210 4 door series) engine and found subject problems. My question is can I simply replace the broken rocker arms and the bent connecting rod with items from a 235 1954 engine? Please advise. V/R, Nick Cavallaro, Bel Air, MD

I would look into the cause of the damage. I assume when you say connecting rods you are talking about pushrods. If cause not apparent then change out the broken parts, remove the spark plugs and turn the engine over several times by hand looking for interference. Parts you say are broken are not lightweight parts so if they broke something must be awry. Proceed slowly to avoid further damage.

1950-56 rocker arms will interchange.
Push rods fit 1950-55 with hydraulic lifters and 1956-62 all.
Make sure the valves on those broken rockers are not stuck.

Sirs: Sorry on the nomenclature; yes, Ed I am talking about the push rod being bent at the cylinder closet to the water pump. The broken rocker arms are from two other completely different cylinders. When I bought ($300.00) the free standing engine I had the owner start it and it seemed to run fine, idle, and no smoke. Six weeks later unloaded in my buddy's shop we fired it up again; ran fine, idled, and no smoke. Now I've discovered this issue and want to correct without a substantial teardown.
Dave, This engine being a 1957 do you mean push rods are independent froam 1950-55 and 1958-62? Does a 1957 have hydraulic lifters? Please advise. Thanks Ed and Dave. V/R, Nick

Push rods from 1950-55 with hydraulic lifters and 1956-62 with solids or hydraulic lifters are all the same. (About 11 1/4" long).
A 1957 engine could have either solids or hydraulic lifters depending on that it came out of and what has been changed over the years.