Which part of the engine must be removed to access the push rods?

The push rods are integral components of an overhead valve (OHV) engine, and they are typically located beneath the rocker arms. To access the push rods, it is necessary to remove the rocker arms, as they sit directly atop the push rods and are responsible for transmitting the motion from the camshaft to the valves. This removal allows for direct access to the push rods, facilitating any necessary maintenance or inspection of this critical part of the valve train system.

The timing belt, pistons, and crankshaft do not provide direct access to the push rods. The timing belt is primarily involved in synchronizing the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft, which affects valve operation indirectly, but it doesn't cover the push rods. The piston assembly is located in the combustion chamber and is separate from the valve mechanism, while the crankshaft lies at the bottom of the engine and is responsible for converting linear motion into rotational motion. Therefore, the only necessary component to remove for accessing the push rods is the rocker arms.