How can Pushrods just vanish!?

[MattMose]

Hey Stevelin,

Some of the symptoms sound a little similar, but in my case, I KNOW where the problem is- no pushrods on Cylinder #2. And when I did a compression test it flagged low compression on Cylinders #2, 4, and 6- that's what had me in there checking the injectors under the valve covers.

Incidentally, I meant to ask the forum-

With the serious issue I have in Cylinder #2- could that cause the low compression codes in the next 2 cylinders (4 and 6) as a result? Basically, should I start worrying about those cylinders as well or could all those codes be cause by repercussions of Cylinder #2? (Pushrods in 4 and 6 look fine upon visual inspection)

Thanks!

[Dirk]

Originally Posted by MattMose

Hey Stevelin,

Some of the symptoms sound a little similar, but in my case, I KNOW where the problem is- no pushrods on Cylinder #2. And when I did a compression test it flagged low compression on Cylinders #2, 4, and 6- that's what had me in there checking the injectors under the valve covers.

Incidentally, I meant to ask the forum-

With the serious issue I have in Cylinder #2- could that cause the low compression codes in the next 2 cylinders (4 and 6) as a result? Basically, should I start worrying about those cylinders as well or could all those codes be cause by repercussions of Cylinder #2? (Pushrods in 4 and 6 look fine upon visual inspection)

Thanks!

How did you test them? Just looking at them?

Roll them on a known flat surface. Put a light behind them. Roll them across the flat surface and watch the distance between the rod and the surface.

[Jarrod B]

all i can say is wow.

my engine repair was 2k but that was just tearin it down and reassembling.

[1996pwrstrk]

Don't forget to check the rocker arms and change the injector O-rings on that cylinder.

[drsmith3]

the only time i have ever seen this is on old inline six bangers back in the 60's. if you didnt readjust the rockers in those days they would swallow a push rod, break it and pieces fell thru the oil drain holes in the top of the rod port on the side. i would bet there is more serious damage including the suggested rod possibility mentioned in earlier post. not to mention washed out and scored cylynder wall.

[cesspool]

what would cause something like this? I've never heard of something like this, so I'm going to guess it is kinda rare. But still, anything preventative we can do?

[MattMose]

Dirk,

Yeah, by "visual inspection" I meant I just looked at the pushrods in 4 and 6 while still in place. I didn't take them out or do a roll test.

I should have it to the fleet mechanic shop tomorrow morning, so we'll see what they find when they pull the engine out. If they do find the crumbled pushrods in there (and I expect them to), I'm going to see if they can save them for me and I'll post some pics of the carnage.

I'm bracing myself.

[MattMose]

Spoke to the mechanic today and explained the situation to him. He said he can do it, but offered the advice (as some of you did as well) that in the long run it'd probably be cheaper and more reliable to just swap the engine out with another used one.

I found a 2000 with 130k miles on it for $3400 - and they're letting me keep the old engine.

So once all this is said and done, I'll be looking to sell the good parts from the old engine. If anyone's interested in 01 7.3L PSD engine parts (injectors, turbo, sensors, etc...) PM me. Otherwise they'll be seeing their way to eBay. I'd like to try to recoup some of this unexpected expense!

Also, once I start pulling apart the old engine, I still want to find those pushrods (well, their remains) and post pics!

[stillstrokinit]

subscribing to see the results of this rare situation

[bravo-man]

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