454 valve adjustment ending in bent push rod

[chartersj]

My buddy just changed out a worn out 454 with a older 454 which was rebuilt, at least this is what he was told when he bought the motor. After getting it in the boat and fired up we notice a tick coming from the starboard side. We pulled the valve cover, and started it up and you could tell which one was making the noise. So we tightened it up just until the ticking stopped then the motor started running very rough and quit. It eventually started back up with enough throttle but then the rocker arm was very loose and even rattling around. We pulled the push rod and it was bent. The procedure says to tighten a half to 3/4 turn even after the tick stops. So i'm wondering how we could of ended up bending the rod? A little research looks like either a collapsed lifter or sticking valve?

 

[alldodge]

What year is the motor?

 

[chartersj]

The number on the block above the flywheel is 361959

 

[Scott Danforth]

what heads are on your 73-90 Mark IV block?

 

[chartersj]

number on the head is C2178

 

[Scott Danforth]

That is not a valid casting number for a BBC cylinder head

 

[chartersj]

That is not a valid casting number for a BBC cylinder head

Do you know where the location for the number would be? That number was under the valve cover

 

[alldodge]

The number on the block above the flywheel is 361959

That is an old'ey
361959.....454.......73-90...2 or 4 bolt

Here is a link that can tell you where things are and what they should be
http://www.mortec.com/

notice a tick coming from the starboard side. We pulled the valve cover, and started it up and you could tell which one was making the noise. So we tightened it up just until the ticking stopped then the motor started running very rough and quit

My first guess is you had a collapsed lifter, and tightened it down until the piston hit the valve and bent the push rod. Hope only the push rod was bent.

The lifters are adjusted with the valve closed and zero lash is determined, then the rocker arm nut is turned one additional turn.

Zero lash is found by turning the push rod slightly back and forth while raising the rod up and down. The rotating is to keep the rod free, and the up/down is to determine zero lash point. Once no up/down movement is felt, this is the zero lash point

 

[boatman37]

My first thought was also a collapsed lifter. AllDodge described the proper way to adjust the valves. Set the intake valve lash when the exhaust valve is beginning to open. This will put the intake lifter at the base circle which is where you want it to be. Then set the exhaust valve lash when the intake valve just starts to close

 

[chartersj]

ok thanks, I think his plan is to pull the head when he gets a chance. It does sound like a collapsed lifter from other research we have done as well