Bent Pushrods on a rebuilt 318

Deceus said
Not to contradict people with more experience than myself, just thinking out loud here: I don't think it's an issue with retainer clearance. 1) I don't know how that'd affect just 6 valves, 8 maybe with the difference in lift from exhaust and intake sides but not 6. 2) I didn't have any issues the first 100 miles or so, that seems like something that would have an affect from the start. 3) I'm using springs/retainers/guides made for this cam and engine. Is it possible to rule this out for sure without disassembling the heads?

Unfortunately, those type of seemingly logical conclusions have a way of getting us all in trouble from time to time. And reports of 'it worked OK for me' are fraught with possible problems with all the variable involved. If you don't check, your are simply taking a chance, not making sure of anything at all.

With all that has gone on, I would not omit this check. There are indeed ways to check this without disassembly; one way has been suggested.