Push rod boke in half

[6361]

Last race of the year , motor got hot and started running rough .Pulled the intake and found # 5 exhaust push rod broke in half .The other half seems to be missing , assuming it to be in oil pan when i pull it off.
Wondering why this would happen ? Is it possible the valve stem got so hot it stuck in the guide ? Will be pulling the heads and pan off this weekend .
355 with flat tappet 5/16 push rods .060 wall

Thanks any possible suggestions

[Egoracing]

Could have started to stick the valve stem and the pushrod flexed and hit the head.

[perfconn]

Ego is right but it could be lots of other things also.Like floating the valves for instance

[TBRE]

The .060 wall pushrods are for stock engines. TB

[fast_crew]

The .060 wall pushrods are for stock engines. TB

Agreed the pushrod is the last thing you want to be light weight, put a set of .105 walls in there and pick up some of the power you are lossing due to deflection and harmonics.

[6361]

Well, pulled the head off , the valve is stuck open , Have a slight mark in the carbon on the top of the piston . Looks like we might have got by with minimal damage .Will have to investigate further as to why this happened .Coil bind , seat pressure etc . .

[dirty white boy]

Well, pulled the head off , the valve is stuck open , Have a slight mark in the carbon on the top of the piston . Looks like we might have got by with minimal damage .Will have to investigate further as to why this happened .Coil bind , seat pressure etc . .

check rod barring on that cylinder...