i don't know the psi rating of a connecting rod but ordinary structural steel is aobut 60,000 psi. is a rod 1" in section, i believe without measuring it that it is. however an impact load is altogether a different proposition than a static or a gradually applied load. the small angle of the rod is probably the most correct thing to assume, and if the cylinder was very full, perhaps the outcome would be different. i will ask my machinist what leads him to believe that a starter can bend a rod from hydrolock. the examle that i used about the hard object was my personal experience and did not come from my machinist.
please keep the calculations coming but why do you have to dis my machinist?

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.