Bent Push Rod in a 95 3100

[94ragtop]

This is a 95 Lumina with 100,000 mi. I picked up because the previous owner had someone do the head gaskets and the waterpump and new radiator. He said it was running fine and one day as he was driving it started tapping real loud. Not wanting to deal with it he got a new car and I picked it up to either fix for my kid or use for parts on my 94 Cutlass conv. I could use a new tranny in the olds. Here are the pictures of what I found and I am going to try and replace the push rod, rocker arm and guide. I am going to pick up a compression tester and If I have compression in that cylinder I am going to put it back together and try starting it. Having never done this type of repair before, I am looking for advise or suggestions in case I am over looking something.

[bszopi]

It appears that one of the arms on the guide broke off? If so, I've had it happen to me (although I didn't bend a pushrod) and it was a pretty simple fix. The only thing I want to add is, make sure you get the right guide. There are 2 different guides on each head: 2 of 1 type and 1 of the other. I ordered the wrong one the first time, so had to wait another week or so for the other one to come in. If you do a search for broken pushrod guide and me as the author, I might have both PNs listed.

[94ragtop]

There are 2 different guides on each head

Thanks, I just ordered a push rod, lifter and guide from the dealer. The parts guy asked me specific location for the guide so I hope he got the right number.
As I pulled out the push rod there was no oil in it or the lifter so I am guessing the lifter failed. Not sure how to get it out yet (magnet?) but the rocker looked ok
Mike

[cfoughty]

Dude I'm sorry about this, but the way this engine is constructed internally would allow the broken valve guide to fall all the way down inside engine. The first stop could be the lifters, then camshaft, then to infinity and beyond.

I've got some recent pictures of the camshaft replacement on my 2.8L located at http://cysmind.blogspot.com

I'm not a real big fan of this engine.

[Doubt_Incarnate]

even if the peice broke off, and fell down into the guts of the motor, its still significantly thicker than the bearing tolerances. so unless its sitting on the cam lobe grinding away under the roller it'll probly just sit where it is and do nothing.

a magnet might work, but since you have a 3100 (95+?) its a roller cam setup and most likly you'll have to take the manifold off to get the lifter retainers off to be able to remove a lifter. but i could be totaly wrong and a magnet might work if its the hydraulic tappets.

[94ragtop]

I got lucky and found the piece of the guide. I am now cleaning up the parts for reassembly.

[Hell_raiser]

could some one point out the guides?

[IsaacHayes]

You can get the Felpro metal problem solver lower intake gasket, and never have to worry about a coolant leak into the oil if you wish while youre at this point.