[Excaliber]

ZZZZZZ,,,,NOT likely! Popping/backfiring on deceleration is actually pretty common and can be caused by lots of thing. Most common problem is air leaking into the exhaust system. Unburned fuel in the exhaust (float level to high would be one cause for instance, jets to big, etc.). If I had the symptoms you describe the LAST thing I would be looking for is a bent push rod!

Ernie