There was a series of posts about a Y block engine that drops pushrods.  I have that problem with my engine and was wondering if there are things I need to check to solve this.  The only thing I can think of is that the oiling to the rockers works but is not strong.  Is it possible that insufficient rocker shaft oiling is causing this?  

My opinion concerning oiling to the top end is if there is any oiling going on at all, then that’s not the issue.  If the rockers are working freely and are not abnormally sloppy on the shafts, then I would be looking in a different direction.

How many times have pushrods come loose?  Is it always intake pushrods or exhaust pushrods?  How many miles on the cylinder heads?  Does this just happen when the engine is hot or when it’s cold?

Here are some potential causes for pushrods not staying in place.
1 - Over revving the engine and getting into valve float.
2 - Adjusters not holding tight and backing off.
3 - Old fuel causing varnish build up within the guides.
4 - Valve guide clearance too tight.
5 - Bronze valve guides without the needed additional clearance.
6 - Total lack of oil to the top end of the engine.
7 - Camshaft lobes are going flat.
8 - Engine is overheating.
9 - Coil bind at the valve springs
10 - Retainer to rocker clearance issues
11 – Weak valve spring pressure

More comments are always welcome.  I have only touched upon some of the reasons this could be happening, but the above list is not all inclusive.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Thank you Ted for this list of things to look for.  I acquired this car in an estate sale of a lady in our Thunderbird club.  She had several Thunderbirds and I wound up with 4 of them.  I have no clue as to how old the engine is but he stale gas may be an issue. This car was not used much, and it sat for several months until the estate was probated.  I can eliminate over revving of the engine, as that is something I never do.  I am not sure if this in intake or exhaust, but I will check that.  It seems to do this when the engine is cold.  We have checked the rods and they appear to be straight and undamaged with no excessive wear.  The valve lash was checked and appears to be normal.  Thank you so much for your professional input.