t walgumuth, I have heard that also, but the oil procedure usually leads towards the rings. Just in case it is the valve, as long as the valve is just carboned and not bent or burnt, the Seafoam will hopefully clean it up. Believe me, this is all just trial and error. If it works, I save myself a rebuild, if it doesn't, I drive it till the engine completely stops running and then start saving for a new engine.