bent valve rods!!! wtf happened????

Qdrhrse,
some folks just have to learn the hard way, unfortunately its also the expensive way. we've all made calls we look back on and say what the #$^&%$## was i thinking?! fyi the flat tappets are the heart and soul of hot rodders, yea a roller will take give you more(if they are used right ) but when you have a retainer let go the lobes comeoff a billet just as easy. i have a e303 for proof.
mike

Hello! did you say it was a fresh rebuild?If so you might have adjusted the valves wrong.I would worry about the cam lobe though.Do a leak down test of that cylinder.If that checks out.I would try to replace the lifters and rods(call and buy single ones or twos in this case.You can't mess it up anymore then it is already.Even if you can't do the leak down put her back togeather with fresh pieces and take for a ride.It really sounds like they were over tightened and that is the result.Hope that lobe is ok.When you replace them make sure it still lifts the push rod.You probably overtightened the lifter cause the piston was on the downstroke.When you tightened them down.Then when the piston came up the valve stayed open and the piston shoved the valve up lifter down into rod now bent rod.Now lets hope the cam lobe was strong enough to withstand the pressure on it.Seems like it did the rod was bent bad.

Wow I go away come back finish my reply and what do I see.Seems like alot of peeps going off on the guy.Jeez chill he wants his car fixed.You don't need to know what cam spec are nor anything.Just take a good rod out with you to the part store with you with the lifter and see if they can replace or order what you need.I think it is as simple as misadjusted rockers.If it were a clearance problem we would have spagetti for rods not just one cylinder worth. I think some peeps resent others cause they have what they want.

just noticed how old this thread is...nm