could. See article below:
http://www.circletrack.com/techarticles/ctrp_0609_pushrod_length/index.html
Use the felt tip marker trick or even a dap of white paint to check that the rockers 'sweep' is centered on the valve's tip.
Too long or short a p-rod will wear out the valve guides in a hurry. Ignore too the factory standard length p-rod dimensions since head/block decking, too many valve jobs, head gasket thickness and a few other variables can dramatically affect where the rocker actually hits the valve tip. A Moroso or Comp adjustable p-rod comes in handy here too.