a whole bunch of bent pushrods

[69redrunner]

I picked up a 69' 383 engine a couple years ago. I was planning on a complete rebuild someday. Last week I took the intake and valley pan off and found that a majority of the pushrods are bent. The motor isn't locked up.
My questions are: what would cause this and what if any other damage should I be looking for?

 

[Seax440Dodge]

I'd be looking at the timing chain/gears and seeing if it's still good

 

[benno440]

everything, bearings, pistons, rods, timing chain. shes been revved hard imo

 

[Xp29h]

X2 on what Benno said. Spun bearing over revved...then all heck broke loose...tear it all down and see if it's ok and start from scratch. :banghead:

 

[Sharp929]

I agree with the over rev...

 

[69redrunner]

Good info. Thanks guys.

 

[Dennis H]

How bent are they? Mine had two very slight bent rods after an oil pressure loss episode. Replaced all and all is well now. Difference is, I knew what happened and motor history.

 

[69redrunner]

Some are bent to the point that you can't rotate them 360 degrees. They hit the block. If I can figure out how to post pics from my phone I'll post some.