So I pulled the motor out of my '55 Project on Thursday, found this when inspecting the valves...noticed this on one of the rods. Excuse my ignorance here, but big deal or not? It appears that the metal is rolled over on the rod, so it will have to be replaced.

 

Was it running before you pulled it?

Looks like the adjuster on that one is just too loose which would have allowed it to slip out.

 

Yes it was running before I pulled it. I didnt hear any loud/weird noises coming from it either.

 

Yes, replace it. Inspect the entire valve train closely, from the cam to the valves themselves. Valve train in a Y block is an area known to be problematic, very often neglected. Make sure you are getting lots of oil to each of those rockers. What are your plans for the engine?

 

Most likely cause was a valve that stuck open. Was the engine "returned from the dead"?

 

It's a straight 6, 223. My plans are to rebuild as necessary, clean, paint, return to the truck.

 

I am not sure of the history of the truck. I picked it up from a "junkyard" that's not really a junkyard. I did have the engine running before I pulled it out of the truck.

 

I guess I best start payin' attention a little better before I mouth off, er is that type off. Posts and plugs are not Y block, for sure.
Same suggestion holds

 

Thanks, will do.

 

Take the pushrod out and roll it on a flat surface. See if it rolls true or if it wobbles. If it wobbles it's bent, if not put it back in and see if it goes up and down as the engine rotates by hand (remember two crankshaft rotations for every one cam shaft rotation). If it goes up and down (means the lobe on the cam is PROBABLY still good). Adjust the valve lash and fire it up! If your lucky that's all you'll need to do.