- Material defect: There may have been a manufacturing defect in the pushrod, such as a weak spot or impurity.
- Excessive stress: The pushrod may have been subjected to excessive stress, beyond its design limits. This could be due to:
- Poor engine tuning, causing the pushrod to be overloaded
- Improper installation of the pushrod, causing it to be misaligned or bind
- A mechanical issue elsewhere in the engine, such as a worn camshaft or bent valve
- Corrosion: If the pushrod was exposed to corrosive substances, such as water or chemicals, it may have weakened and eventually failed.
- Engine overheating: Extreme heat can weaken metal components, making them more susceptible to failure.
- Fatigue: Metal components can fail due to fatigue over time, especially if they are subjected to repeated stress.
Identifying the exact cause of failure may require a detailed examination of the pushrod and other engine components by a qualified mechanic.
