Push rod chips

[RioGrandMan]

I have my 273's intake and valve covers off doing some improvement and I noticed the top of almost all my rods have areas of chipping in the top 1/2" on both sides, see photo. The thought was first that it was carbon deposits but I don't think so. I'm thinking maybe it's an issue with the hardened steel? I'm not sure and don't normally have motors this far apart. Let me know if you guys have ever seen anything like this.

I do know there was a rebuild once before from the prior owner probably 30+ years ago. Not sure what all he did.

 

[RustyRatRod]

I believe you will find that's the weld where the cups are welded to the tubes.

 

[Killer6]

I have my 273's intake and valve covers off doing some improvement and I noticed the top of almost all my rods have areas of chipping in the top 1/2" on both sides, see photo. The thought was first that it was carbon deposits but I don't think so. I'm thinking maybe it's an issue with the hardened steel? I'm not sure and don't normally have motors this far apart. Let me know if you guys have ever seen anything like this.

I do know there was a rebuild once before from the prior owner probably 30+ years ago. Not sure what all he did.

View attachment 1716473997

Rusty has it, those are the insert to tube pinch welds.

 

[RioGrandMan]

Ok, so if I follow, you are saying this is normal. Any ideas why I don't see photos of anyone else's looking like this?

 

[RustyRatRod]

Ok, so if I follow, you are saying this is normal. Any ideas why I don't see photos of anyone else's looking like this?

Because the pushrods spin so they don't always show up in photos.

 

[Bewy]

Aftermarket brands maybe pushed in, not welded.

 

[Killer6]

Ok, so if I follow, you are saying this is normal. Any ideas why I don't see photos of anyone else's looking like this?

Your looking at other brands or aftermarket pushrods, Mopar hydraulic ball/ball pushrods are solid machined, so no tips to secure. There were about 12.5 million Slant Sixes in cars & trucks, and 13 million+ Worldwide including industrial/agricultural/etc., that's over 156 Million pushrods that look just like Yours.....like these....170 short deck & 198/225 tall deck.

 

[oldkimmer]

Bad news the chips are in the bottom of the oil pan, that is if they made it that far. I would change oil and filter and cut the old filter apart. U cannot be to careful when u have floaters. I would pull the pan and clean the pick up or atleast put a big magnet on the bottom of the oil pan. Kim