Words to the wise

[Tony Lum <tlum@flash.net>]

Hi gang,

Those I-5 owners with solid valve lifters are advised to routinely check
AND ADJUST the valves.  I never did, lacking the valve depression tool, and
I knew a few were too tight cause I measured them.  But I just ignored it.
So I go to get smogged, and it fails with HC readings as high as 800!  Take
it over to mechanic (who also has smog tester), do a compression test, and
#1 and #2 have readings of 25 and 35 psi!  Squirt oil into the spark plug
holes, couple of bumps with the starter, recheck and there is virtually no
change.  Sh*t, looks like I burnt some valves and the head will have to
come off next week.

Regards,

Tony Lum
1980 5000S (I-3)