Fuel Pump Push Rod woes

[JamesRKing72]

Hey all. I don't know what I should do next so I am wanting some advice. I rebuilt my '71 350 sb and have about 500 miles on it maybe. All stock, bored 30 over, original rebuilt carb, so no big cam or crank.

I finally got the courage to take it out on the road and it sputters and dies. It doesn't start for a couple more months then only runs for a short couple days. I thought I messed up the carb so had that rebuilt again. Bought 2 new fuel pumps and new fuel line. Still no gas to the carb, so I'm thinking it must be the fuel push rod, please don't be the fuel pump push rod.

Well it is, the end broke off up at the cam shaft. My question is:
1. What would make it break like this?
2. What do I do next? (I have to find that missing end piece)

Was thinking of getting a long magnet on a stick, poke it up there and hope that piece sticks. If it's steel and not brass. I don't know if there is room for it to go far.
Suggestions?