Funny you say that, my dad just sent me a picture and the push rod is worn almost in two… new plate it is.I normally replace the entire plate because most of the time when the issue rears its ugly head the push rod has chewed through the plastic guide, and worn into the metal plate to the point that will no longer hold the plastic guide in place and the push rod has been cut in two.
Push rods aren’t bentAs far as I know, the plate has to be purchased.
If it bent a push rod a valve guide coming up out of the head is a real possibility. He needs to push down on the valves and make sure they can open. Otherwise, he is looking at replacing the head.