67 232 w/ Holley 1920

A bent push rod could be caused by no more than sitting for a length of time with today's formulation of gasoline in it. At some point in time the gasoline evaporates to the point where there is a deposit in the tank similar to that of putting sugar in the gas tank as to what is going on. The first time it is run with that fuel it gets hot and the cools off and when that happens a valve gets stuck in the valve guide. The next time it starts the valve does not move and the push rod bends. Maryland is not Arizona there for the heat is not as bad, but it can still happen. "Should that be the case everyone has there favorite method of freeing that valve and mine simply is to take a squirt can such as an oil can filled with some Acetone and soak down the valve and shortly afterword's whacking it with a dead blow hammer. Repeated until the valve becomes free.
Then drain the gas tank, filling it with hot water and soap and some pea gravel and shaking it (it helps to remove the tank) or throwing it in the back of a pick up truck and driving around with it filled with soap and water for a while, drain, hose down with a pressure washer if you have one, drain again, dry and install, fill with gas change the oil in the engine and call it good to go. Being careful how you let the thing sit after that.
I have had my 80 AMX and my 80 Spirit both bend pushrods that way.
A quick check on the condition of the gas is to sniff it, if it smells skanky it probably is.

TomJ did some research on this. Today's gas is a big part of the problem, mainly because the alcohol in it dissolves old residue in the old tank and cause that residue to circulate in the engine. Those fumes stick the valves. If you have a perfectly clean tank you don't have this issue. This occurs mostly in cars that sat for a long time and old gas evaporated out, leaving a residue in the tank. New gas will leave a residue under the same conditions, but not as much as the old stuff (from 10+ years ago).  Modern gas will keep the tank clean.

If you think the tank is part of the problem remove it and clean it out real good. Doesn't take harsh chemicals -- straight "Purple Power" or "Awesome" will work if you let it sit in the tank for a few hours. Any degreasing cleaner with citric acid will work, just buy concentrate and don't dilute with more than 25% water. Then rinse good after a few hours and let the tank dry out before reinstalling.

If you want to clean it faster or more thoroughly, use brick cleaning acid diluted per instructions to clean brick or concrete. That can be neutralized with baking soda once the tank is cleaned, and MUST be done before pouring out. You can slosh that around the tank for a few minutes and be done.

Hmm... might be the newer gas formulations. In any case, evaporated gasoline leaves a nasty residue, fresh gas on top of it dissolves it and runs it through the engine, causing stuck valves and other things. 

UPDATE;

Ended up with two bent pushrods and after going through fuel/cooling systems;

"IT'S ALIVE"

My brother ( a crack mechanic + the tools ) gave of his time and skills got it runnin pretty good for a forty eight year old car.
Funny how floaty the power steering is.

Thanks again for all's help in getting this engine to do what it was suppose too ...run again.

Doug

Edited by roguedoug - Mar/18/2015 at 8:41pm

Thanks will check it out.

Hope to get Pic's soon n post under project or(?)of her ( Claudia )!

Real nice 10 footer or better that had E in serial number ...research continues....

Doug

VIN A7KA55E100149

000569
6705-5
747-C
08-72-A
E000749