'59 Plymouth Forum

I have a problem with a recurring engine knock. I have adjusted the rockers twice each time the engine runs great for about 100 to 150 miles then starts to revert back to knocking and lack of power. It seems that its the drivers side that doesn't hold its adjustment. I know that one or too of the push rods are slightly bent on that side. I'm guessing this could be part of the problem if not the whole problem. how hard is it to find replacement push rods and lifters? would they be interchangeable with later versions of the 318? Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Andy

Andy, Bent pushrods... Not Good! How did they get bent? I think replacements are still available. Rebuilder supply and in different lengths. Not Cheap!

Thanks for the info Rickymopar, do you happen to know if they're interchangeable with more modern 318 engines? As for how they got bent in the first place, search us *shrug* ... we bought the car about a year ago and we took the top half of the engine apart over the winter to clean out the rust in it, changed the gaskets ... a bunch of gearhead stuff I don't understand. But I know Andy posted a lot during that whole thing, so I'm sure you'd be able to find it if you're interested. I posted pictures of the rusty engine ... anyway, we're assuming someone who had it before us somehow managed to bend the rods.

As far as push rods... I do think they interchanged until 1966.

Thanks Rickymopar, Rebuilders Supply referred me to Western Engine Supplies. There I was able to get a set of both push rods and lifters and for a pretty good price.

Western engine is one of the rebuilder better supply houses. EPW is one I use the most due to location. These places are disappearing fast, being no one seems to rebuild things like we do. The EPA is also cleaning up all the jobs for U.S. citizens. I do not know where to even take my bumpers to be re-chromed. Radiator shops?

We might as well be rebuilding Steam Tractors.lol

Okay I'm game. there is an old J.I. Case here in Broomfield, Colorado.

I'm logged in as my better half. I finally had time to pull the valve-covers off and discovered as I suspected that the bent push rod is even more bent and valve lash is way out. As soon as the new pushrods get in I'll be switching them out and readjusting the lash. My question is. Would it be a bad idea to put a little thread lock on the valve lash adjustment screws? Id like to not have to make this adjustment every 100 miles or so.

Yes, if the friction fit has gone away, I would try it.

When I had my engine rebuilt the mechanic buggered the threads in the middle of the adjusting screw a little and used thread lock.
Dickl.

Did it work for you?

Hi Ricky - So far no problem.
Dick.

Good! I looked for my old rocker arm and adjuster bolt collection and haven't found it. I am now getting a little concerned. I hope My machinist has them in storage. Also hoping I don't have Alzheimer's.

Ricky - Don't worry, if it's what I have it's called "sometimeheimer's".
Dick.