Rusty Push Rods?

Tiny
TBURDEN
  • MEMBER
  • 1991 CHEVROLET 1500
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 139,000 MILES
I blew a head gasket on the truck due to radiator/heater core problems. I removed the heads and intake manifold to be repaired (valve job)/surfaced. While everything was apart, I noticed about 5 of the push rods were rusty and pitted. Can or should I replace them with new ones? Does this mean I will need to replace rocker arms, lifters, camshaft as well. The engine is still in the truck. What can I do with this? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have attached a picture of one of the push rods.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 AT 11:03 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,610 POSTS
Yes, you can just get new push rods, just make sure they are the same length. You should be okay with the old rocker arms and camshaft/lifters. Let us know if you need anything else.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 AT 12:21 PM
Tiny
TBURDEN
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thanks Ken. That was the answer I was hoping for.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 AT 1:11 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,610 POSTS
You are welcome, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 AT 1:42 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.