Well, what's been done has been done. Next time I'll use the crank bolt. Hopefully I haven't trashed the power steering pump mechanism. Ugh...Not mentioning any names, but using the power steering bolt is suggested by one particular expert selling his advice and parts online...live and learn I guess.

Update:

All valves have been adjusted. I went back and checked my work from last night, and about half of the adjustments I made were too tight this afternoon. WTF? In some instances I couldn't even get the spacer in. Is there a gremlin in my car? The car was cold when I started this project. Would night temps make a difference from midday temps?

Anyway, it looks like PO did some funky repair work to the inside of the valve cover, which explains the epoxy and some kind of black sealant in spots. The sealant almost feels like rubber or silicone...I doubt that is kosher to be used inside the valve cover. I think it's time to look for a new one.

Let's see if I can put it all back together now...

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1982 300cd 245K miles and still goin'...