While helping me to put a new head gasket on my 2.2, my friend noticed worn spots near the top (rocker) end of my push rods. Fortunately, no damage from the petal particles is evidient anywhere-good oil filters! He stated that the worn areas are due to backlash, backfireing-like when I downshift using the engine for braking. Not that I doubt him, but I am having a hard time understanding why the damage? I'll be droping in some new push rods withing the week, it's an easy enough job AND I have to wait for them to come in. Not sure if the right folks will see this. Took my best shot at association with my problem.

Your friend is right. Those little push rods do take a beating.

All the time.

The best explanation that I've ever heard when some of them

have failed, some motor oils just do not have enough

additives to prevent their wear.

I donno. It might be true.