<VV> Where do I go from here?

[BobHelt@aol.com]

Jack,
Please see my comments below.
Regards,
Bob Helt


In a message dated 12/12/04 8:23:22 PM US Mountain Standard Time, 
jkean@sbcglobal.net writes:

>   Should I determine the correct pushrod lengths,
> install the proper pushrods and see what happens?

Forget your pushrods. They are least likely to be your problem. You most 
likely have and need standard length pushrods. But just to check, carefully 
observe the rocker action while someone rotates the crankshaft (engine OFF). You 
should be able to estimate the rocker contact point on the valve stem for a rough 
check.

If these things fail you might check the amount of valve lift you are getting 
at each valve. You could possibly have a worn cam. Sometimes this can be 
observed with the engine idling by carefully observing the rocker action.
I hope that this helps.
Regards,
Bob Helt



> -   Have I messed up this lifter?

Unlikely, but you could have a bad lifter. Here's what I suggest. Get ready 
to do a hot valve adjustment. With the engine idling, park brake set, etc. 
etc., back off one of these noisy lifters until it is loose. Did the clatter 
increase or stay the same as you were backing off? If the clatter stayed the same 
you could have a bad lifter. If it got worse, then so far so good. (it should 
get more noisy as you increase the clearance...rocker to valve tip)

Now tighten the adjustment nut (engine idling) until the worse clatter stops 
and the normal clatter starts. Now tighten the adj nut 1/4 turn and listen to 
the clatter as you do. Does the clatter stop and then start again after a few 
seconds? If it does, you probably have a bad lifter. If not, maybe something 
else. Tighten an additional 1/4 turn and see. This should also be the correct 
setting for the valve adjustment. Try the next valve and repeat these same 
steps as done for the first valve. Remember that the finish at both the rocker tip 
and the valve tip will determine how much noise you will have for normal, so 
look at these tips.


> o   Should I simply replace it and see what happens?
> -   Do I have a dropped valve seat (the miss is not
> constant, and all three cylinders have reasonable
> compression when I checked them last)?
> -   The sparkplugs are sooty. Could I have fouled them
> because I let the car idle so long?