2001 3500 SCR bent push rods

[Firehouse]

I was doing a valve job on my Horizon 454 multi point injection engine, when I removed the head on the right side of the engine I found bent and broken push rods and water in one of the cylinders. I am now considering replacing the engine. Does anyone know what could cause bent push rods on one side of the engine? this is the port engine so if I change the engine should I be concerned about the rotation or does the transmission dictate the rotation. Thanks for your help

[mmwjr]

The transmission sets the rotation.

Was the cylinder with water in it the same one as the damaged push rods? Since water is not compressable this type of damage as well as bent valves and connecting rod is common. More than likely the exhaust on that side is bad and allowed water to enter the system and get drawn back into the cylinder. You may be able to rebuild the head and replace the exhaust but I first ask how many hours are on the engine and if it’s raw water or closed cooling?

[Firehouse]

Originally Posted by mmwjr

The transmission sets the rotation.

Was the cylinder with water in it the same one as the damaged push rods? Since water is not compressable this type of damage as well as bent valves and connecting rod is common. More than likely the exhaust on that side is bad and allowed water to enter the system and get drawn back into the cylinder. You may be able to rebuild the head and replace the exhaust but I first ask how many hours are on the engine and if it’s raw water or closed cooling?

also there was damage to the #6 cylinder from the exhaust valve making hard contact with the piston

[mmwjr]

A bent valve can stick in its guide preventing it from closing so the piston can hit it as it travels to the top of its stroke.

[shrew]

Which cylinders had bent pushrods?

Which cylinders had water in them?

Which cylinders had damage?

Fresh water or Raw water cooled engine?

[Firehouse]

cylinders 4 and six had bent push rods
cylinders 4 & 6 had water in them (no rust)
cylinder 6 had 3/4 inch contact dent in the dome of the piston

I did not observe any cracks or stress cracks in the #6 piston however I am going to clean it with brake clean and observe closer, If I do not observe any cracks could the engine be worthy of being put back together?

[mmwjr]

Yes you could rebuild the head and install new exhaust with a high probability of it running fine, however there is a risk the connecting rod may be bent but you may not even notice. A simple check to give an idea if it’s really bad is to rotate the engine until the piston is at the top of the bore then use a feel gauge to check the distance to the top of the blocks deck. Do this all around the circumference of the piston. If the measurement is the same it’s most likely not bent.