Can of worms...
I just wanted to do a compression test, but I had a couple parts from LMC I just couldn't wait to put on like the decal for my freshly painted air cleaner. I also ordered new oil caps and for some stupid reason I decided to replace the one on the passenger valve cover. Turns out it was so old and dry that it broke into pieces that fell into the valve cover. I don't want that in the oil system, so now I have to take the valve cover off before I can start the engine again or do a compression test.
It's a bit of a pain because of the AC compressor, but I get the cover off and find a crispy black worthless gasket under it, along with this:
The second rocker from the front (right on photo) is loose and sits twisted off the side of the valve spring. I took it off and find the pushrod is bent and there is a really big gouge in the side of the stud where the rocker was cutting into it. The hole in the rocker is also worn out of shape a little. I thought there was a lifter making noise, but I believe this was the problem.
Now the tough decision - keep digging or pull the motor out? I really wish I had done that compression test, and I really wanted to drive it before taking it completely apart.
