Bent rod or what could it be????

[1969bluebug]

Well I went to adjust my valves today and the was no clearance at all...
On number 1 there is a huge amount of play on the exhaust rocker (( the one all the way to the right?)) and it looks as though the rod could be bent. It doesnt appear to have a broken spring and the adjuster is ok on it, but I havent taken the whole thing apart yet.

When I do get the whole assembly off to look at the rod, I was told to check and see if it is bent by rolling it on a table (( Thanks-- Glen)) .

The next thing would be what?

What would cause this type of play on the rod? There is a gap between the end of the rocker to where it would meet the rod. The engine is new with less then 1,000 miles. I just had the vavles and carbs adjusted less then 100 miles and I was experiencing some leaks on the right carb. Back when the guy did the car he even said that #1 idle mixture screws had no effect on that particular carb. So I think this problem has been there for quite some time.

So What kind of damage could there be?
What causes a rod to bend?
And what should I look for?
any help would make my weekend much better since I need the car on MOnday..

[Guest]

well on that side it was the bracket that swivels around the rocker assembly that was cracked. When I took it off half of the plate that the stud goes through was broken off. It was cracked on the backside. I guess It was torqued to much. How tight should it be?

What is this piece called? Where could I purchase it online?
Thanks