![Surprised :o](./images/smilies/icon_e_surprised.gif)
![Mad :x](./images/smilies/icon_mad.gif)
The car has finally been running great. Got the last of the exhaust leaks sealed, the EFI is in good tune and working well, and other than some valve cover gasket leaks I brought on myself by over-torqueing the bolts the car was in fine shape... I even got back some on-center feel by having a custom alignment done and it was handling better than ever!
![Cool 8-)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
Went for a cruise yesterday and went for a full throttle pass... the engine was wailing away somewhere around 4,000 rpm or so... pulling strong....
Then, wham!
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
It stumbles and begins to emit a steady clatter and is not willing to work hard without a lot of very nasty noise. I was able to drive it about 5 miles to a local gas station about 8 miles from my home, but when I tried to park it she finally shut down.
![Sad :(](./images/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif)
I waited the 2 hours it took for the AAA dude to arrive with the flatbed all the while telling myself it is just a pushrod.
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
After allowing the motor to cool sufficiently to enable me to remove the valve covers without third degree burns and melted gloves I found...
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
All pushrods are snug and firmly where they belong.
![Surprised :o](./images/smilies/icon_e_surprised.gif)
![Crying or Very Sad :cry:](./images/smilies/icon_cry.gif)
![Mad :x](./images/smilies/icon_mad.gif)
![Sad :(](./images/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif)
I threw a piston rod. There is no doubt now.
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
![Embarrassed :oops:](./images/smilies/icon_redface.gif)
The good news is that I have a '68 parts car, so I can pull that motor and see if it happens to have a forged crank. Hopefully it has never been bored out and will make a good candidate block; if I find a good forged crank I will use it otherwise the plan is to get an Eagle Steel Crank along with H-beam rods and forged pistons. I am not going to screw around again!
![Razz :P](./images/smilies/icon_razz.gif)
So she is off the road for the rest of the season...
![Crying or Very Sad :cry:](./images/smilies/icon_cry.gif)
The moral of the story: always replace your rod bolts. Always.
![Wink ;)](./images/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif)