There could be a few reasons, but he might want to look it over before providing any answer.

 

Welcome to the forum. If it hydrauliced, then the valves couldn't open which would explain both the bent rods and bent pushrods. Cause could be either head gasket leak or less likely fuel in the cylinder but can't explain how that would happen.

 

Hammering the starter is not the best solution for a car from the 90s. Of course, if it's a Chevrolet with a lot of car parts then it's not a problem. What about the discontinued vehicles? For example, If it were a Pontiac Firebird 90/91, I don't think you'd standing next to this car with a hammer, haha.

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