Re: Valve problems on the way home today.

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2010/6/7 17:18:13

A few wisps of oil fumes coming from the filler tube whenthe car is not in motion is perfectly normal; profuse fuming would indicate blow-by. The (lower) crankcase vent tube is cut on a bias and creates a mild suction from the air passing by it as the car moves, this draws the fumes from the crankcase and as soon as the car is stationary, there is no longer any draft on the tube.

I don't know if L-head engine valve spring compressors are still in manufacture, but they are certainly plentiful. Find an old-time mechanic and I'd bet he has at least two in his tool box. Every flea market I go to I seem to see a dozen for $2 or $3 buck each. YOu might be able to use an OHV compressor but I suspect it would require removal of the manifold, at the least, and be awkward to use. If you absolutely can't find one locally, PM me and we can make some arrangement for you to borrow mine.

If it weren't for that one valve that had 0.030 inch tappet clearance, I'd think you might just have a blown headgasket, but that valve clearance would seem to indicate, as Ross suggested, something has come loose and become lodged under the valve head. Perhaps you have 2 issues?