Recurring bent push rods/knocking engine- ideas?

deep lower engine knock can possible be whats called rod knock --where damage to a piston rod either spun bearing ,wrist pin,crack bent causing it to slap on crank or piston cylinder

If you went off the road and the snow jammed into the engine compartment look for something bent and striking when the engine is on. If you find nothing bent or broken and the noise is coming from inside the engine you may have a bent valve or connecting rod. When an engine is abruptly stopped thing can get damaged. Take a wood shaft like a broom handle and place it near the bottom of the engine when running on the block and place you hand on the end of it and then place your ear on your hand and lesion for a knock. If in the bottom could be a bent connecting rod or also called a piston rod. If noise is in the top more likely and bent valve and the engine may run rough. If you not sure have a mechanic lesion to it. You can consult your repair manual for further test. Good luck.

probably a bent connecting rod which is major damage , it could also be a bent pushrod but not likely

bent push rods come from improper movement of the rocker and valve
This can be from an incorrect length push rod-- some v8 engines run different lengths for inlet and exhaust
from rocker arm jamming on the shaft or rocker ball
hydraulic cam follower pumping up and jamming the valve spring to a solid block
bent valve stem above the valve guide
valve spring Colette moved or misplaced incorrect rocker for that valve-- some engines run different length rockers for inlet and exhaust
what to do-- if this engine was running all right for some time then the rocker can be omitted. if the problem has been occurring since the cold weather the the oil may be too thick and not allowing the follower to leak down properly
check the follower or replace it , change to a lighter viscosity oil for the duration of the cold weather
unless you have had a recent head change or other mechanical work done the problem will be in those areas.

push rods dont knock?? they are hollow rods that the lifters push up and pump oil thru to rocker arm that then pushes down on a valve and opens it if u bent the push rods or any other part of the head valve train most auto parts stores or on line parts sell them including dealer

You have a major engine problem. You need a certified mechanic. I would say (since you didn't say where the noise is located)you have a connecting rod or push rod problem. If you continue to drive it you will destroy the engine.

I believe there is a knock sensor on this engine causing it not to run. If the knock is too bad it wont run....It actually probably saved your engine....find out why the knock...out of timing?...clogged fuel filter? bad gas? thrown rod?

maybe not
turn engine over until the rod is loose
now
twist the push rod with your fingers does it look bent?

It could be a bent valve, push-rod/s, piston slap, connecting rod bearings,bad fuel, timing, could need a tune-up,knock sensor, bad fuel, or water in fuel. You can start by looking at the vehicles repair/maintenance history, preform a dry and wet compression test,and take it from there. If I can be any more help let me know, thank you.

What ever you want, man. Drive it into the ground, or do an engine overhaul. Chances are the tranny is next.