If you had that much clearance, you're 'way outside what either the adjusters or the hockey pucks can correct. I think you will find that either the guide has dropped down, or the valve seat came loose. Obviously either will prevent the valve from closing all the way.

Soon, the joys of pulling the M110 cam box and head.

__________________
Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe